The Founding of Cobourg

Saw and grist mills erected in this area during the first decade of the 19th century fostered the development here of a small settlement. The completion of the Kingston Road by 1817 facilitated its growth and within a decade it had a population of about 350. Known as Hamilton, then Cobourg, the community expanded rapidly as a commercial and shipping centre and as a port of entry, particularly after harbour improvements were completed in 1832. Five years later, when it was incorporated as a town under an elected Board of Police, Cobourg became the administrative centre for the Newcastle District. The establishment of several industries spurred further growth and in 1850, with about 3800 residents, Cobourg was incorporated as a town under a Council and Mayor.

La construction de scieries et de moulins à blé dans cette region au début du XIXe siécle entraîne ici même la naissance d’un petite établissement. La route de Kingston, achevé en 1817, contribue à son essor et en dix ans la population passé à quelque 350 personnes. Appelé Hamilton puis Cobourg, le village crôit rapidement et devient un centre de commerce et un port d’entrée grace aux travaux portuaires terminés en 1832. Conq ans plus tard, Cobourg obtient le statut de ville et élit un Board of Police. Elle devient alors le centre administrative du district de Newcastle. Plusieurs industries nouvelles en accélèrent la croissance et en 1850, comptant environ 3 800 habitants, Cobourg élit un maire et un conseil municipal.