Visit The Historical Sites Of Kitchener-Waterloo

Visit The Historical Sites Of Kitchener-Waterloo

The Waterloo Region of Ontario in Central Canada is rich in history and culture, much of it comes directly from its original European settlers – a number of Mennonite families who migrated from Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. In more recent years the cultural diversity of the Waterloo region has been shaped by immigration from all corners of the globe. This immigration is due in no small part to the prosperous, diverse economic activity of the region and the presence of two highly respected Universities.

Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower is a monument which honours the first pioneers of the Waterloo Region. Those original Mennonite pioneers came to the region from Pennsylvania between 1800 and 1803 and settled on the banks of the Grand River where they found lush and productive farm land. The monument was constructed in 1923 on an acre of land just east of the Grand near the small town of Doon. The unique Swiss look of the tower spire reflects the Swiss Mennonite homeland of the original settlers.

At Doon Heritage Crossroads you can explore Waterloo County as it was in 1914. Come back to see
what businesses, homes and farms were like and how people went about their daily lives.

Joseph Schneider Haus Museum and Gallery recreates life as it was in the area in the 1850s. This is the house that Joseph and Barbara Schneider built in 1816. They were among the early Mennonite pioneers who trekked to the new frontier from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s.

Homer Watson was a noted local artist of the Waterloo Region. He was known as the “Man of Doon” since Doon was the site of his home and studio. Homer Watson House