This year marks Burlington’s 150th anniversary. The journey to Burlington’s sesquicentennial anniversary began in 1873 when the villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged to become the Village of Burlington. The Village of Burlington became the Town of Burlington in 1914 and the City of Burlington in 1974.

To help mark this occasion, a graphic identifier has been designed to highlight events and opportunities for residents to celebrate Burlington’s anniversary. The identifier was designed to capture the complexity and beauty of the land and the people. The plus symbol is in recognition of the Indigenous history of the land that goes beyond 150 years. We honour the diverse Indigenous peoples that have lived in this area and we acknowledge that Burlington is on Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The identifier uses four shapes and colours to represent Burlington:

• green represents nature and the land
• yellow symbolizes unity and the multicultural community
• light blue symbolizes freedom as we continue to live in peace and harmony
• orange represents commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

(Source: City of Burlington)

Land acknowledgement

Burlington as we know it today is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and Métis. From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee and the Métis – the lands spanning from Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment are steeped in Indigenous history.

The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt covenant, an agreement made between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.

The history of Burlington is rich and exciting. The original inhabitants — First Nations peoples — have thrived among the many natural advantages of this area for centuries.

(Source: City of Burlington)

History

The history of Burlington is complex and varied. Its original inhabitants — First Nations peoples — have thrived among the many natural advantages of this area for centuries.

In 1669, French explorer Sieur de La Salle landed where LaSalle Park is now located. Beginning in the late 1700s, European settlers arrived along Burlington’s beautiful lakefront. In 1784, Captain Joseph Brant was granted a large land area by King George III in recognition of his support for the British in the American Revolution (1775-83). His land was the start of the village of Wellington Square. United Empire Loyalists began to settle in Burlington after the American Revolution, too, followed by emigrants from the British Isles and Europe. New homesteaders cleared lots on which to farm and live. From 1820 to 1850, lumber was the area’s principal export; later, wheat was exported to Europe.

In 1873, the villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged to become the Village of Burlington, which then became the Town of Burlington in 1914. By 1900, Burlington had evolved into a prosperous farming community with mixed farms and cash crops of fruit and vegetables. It was known as the Garden of Canada. It was soon a thriving town with a busy main street and boatways, railways, the Queen Elizabeth Way highway and the Skyway Bridge, which serviced several manufacturing facilities.

Burlington became a city in 1974 and remains a welcome place to raise a family. It is an inclusive community that celebrates its history while embracing its present as a city where people, nature and businesses thrive.

(Source: Burlington Historical Society, 2022)

There’s lots to see and do in Burlington. Come and enjoy! For more information, visit Tourism Burlington.

The Museums of Burlington's volunteer program has played, and continues to play, an essential part in the development and implementation of its programs, events and activities — including Doors Open Burlington.

Volunteering with the Museums of Burlington provides opportunities to:

• give back to your community
• seek professional development opportunities
• build skills and training
• gain experience that aligns with your education
• achieve your community hours

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can find more information on the Museums of Burlington website, or you can contact their Volunteer Program Administrator, Robin Hill, at Robin.Hill@burlington.ca or by calling 905-634-3556, ext. 323.