2025 marks the 175th anniversary of King Township—a community of communities that draws residents with its rural landscape, village atmosphere and quality of life. The Township of King was officially established on January 1, 1850 and functioned as an unincorporated municipality until 2003.
This milestone year is being commemorated with a series of free signature events, made possible with funding from the Government of Canada’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. Several community events will also take place.
Delve deeper into King Township's history
King Township, named by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe for John King (1759–1830), an English Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office, has a rich and storied history. The Township was created as part of the subdivision of York County, following the acquisition of lands from the Mississaugas through the Toronto Purchase Act of 1787.
Early settlements in King Township developed around gristmills and sawmills, which were vital economic engines during the 19th century. The first settlement, Armitage, was established in 1802 by Timothy Rogers, a Loyalist from Vermont. Other communities, such as Kettleby and Lloydtown, soon followed, attracting settlers from New York, Pennsylvania and other Loyalist enclaves.
The Township of King was officially established through a Provincial Statute in 1849 to take effect on January 1, 1850. It functioned as an unincorporated municipality until the Municipal Incorporation Act, 2001 was passed in 2003.
King Township has been home to several notable events and figures. In 1852, the Northern Railway built the King Train Station, which remains one of the oldest surviving train stations in Canada. The King Township Agricultural Society began holding its annual fair in Schomberg in 1872, a tradition that continues to this day. Benjamin Rolling, one of the first African Canadian postmasters in Canada, served the village of Laskay until his death in 1897.
Throughout the 20th century, King Township continued to grow and develop. The Eaton family built Eaton Hall, a Norman château-style mansion, in 1939. The Holland Marsh became Canada's most significant vegetable producer, earning the nickname "Ontario's Soup and Salad Bowl".
Since the establishment of the Township, the area has retained much of its original landscape, with minimal sprawl and growth until recent years. As King Township celebrates its 175th anniversary, we reflect on its rich history and the vibrant community that has flourished here. From its early settlements to its modern developments, 2025 is about honouring our past and looking forward to our future.
Guided tours of King’s historic buildings—including the renovated King Rail Station and King Christian Church (reopening summer 2025) as well as Laskay Hall and the 160-year-old Kinghorn School—are available at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre, offering interactive activities and insights into local stories and traditions. Peruse antique artifacts, vintage photos and a timeline of King’s history, go on a scavenger hunt, and (a fan favourite) practice a traditional Victorian dance. The cost is $5 per person and includes admission. To book a tour, call 905-833-2331. The facility is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 905-833-2331, email heritage@king.ca or visit kingheritageandculture.ca.
Celebrate our 175th anniversary with us!
Fresh off the printing press after years of penning—and just in time to commemorate King Township’s 175th anniversary! King Township Historical Society released The History of King Township: A Community Shaped by the Land during a book launch event on Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 at the King Township Municipal Centre.
In this digital age it’s heartwarming to see a crowd of nearly 200 gather for the launch of a 476-page printed hardcover, said proud author and longtime King resident Ann Love, who wrote the book with dedicated researcher Sharon Bentley, retired Deputy Chief Librarian of King Township Public Library.
The free, happy hour style event featured book signings, light refreshments, author presentations and dramatic readings by Arts Society King as well as remarks from Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who returned the original manuscript after being first to read the book.
The historical narrative explores the Township’s unique natural landscape and the lives of those who shaped it, from the Ice Age to present day.
Purchase your copy online at kingtownshiphistoricalsociety.com for $40 and pick-up at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre.
Learn more about King Township 175th anniversary and upcoming signature events at king.ca/175.
On Saturday, Jun. 14, community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the Indigenous Medicine Garden—Kahéhta—at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre. The event was a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture, healing and connection. The garden, designed by medicine woman Tanya Gluvakov, is now open to the public and symbolizes the interconnectedness of all life and the resurgence of Indigenous knowledge and language. The event featured Drummer Rollin Baldhead, words from Gluvakov and fellow medicine woman Asha Frost. Attendees toured the space to experience the Butterfly “Memengwaa” Trail Marker by artist Donald Chretien, now proudly installed at what will be the heart of the new Indigenous Medicine Garden.
A Truth & Reconciliation mural (located on the museum’s east-facing exterior wall) is currently being painted by artist Shawn Howe and will be unveiled closer to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which takes place on September 30. It will complement the garden, with Indigenous medicines integrated into the design and will provide a space for reflection and healing towards reconciliation in King Township.
Join us in celebrating this particularly special Canada Day as King Township commemorates its 175th anniversary. Make sure you have your double double that morning as our vibrant event is where the spirit of our nation comes alive. You’ll “fill yer boots” with a variety of activities, including live musical performances from local bands, including Nobleton Victoria Day Battle of the Bands winner The Hellyaz, kicking off the show, and Eddie Currents who will open for headliner From the Hip; delicious food from diverse vendors; and, the “pièce de résistance”: a drone show!
Tuesday, Jul. 1 from 5 p.m. to dusk at Memorial Park
In celebration of King Township’s 175th anniversary, the age-old Raspberry Social and Community Picnic is making a comeback! The King community is invited to attend the free family-friendly event on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the King Heritage & Cultural Centre, located at 2920 King Road in King City.
Bring your own picnic and non-alcoholic drinks (BYOP) and set-up your spot outdoors on the site’s scenic greenspace (don’t forget your blanket and lawn chairs!)
Here is a lineup of the family friendly entertainment:
- The Opening Act, a musical duo performing a variety of acoustic hits from the 1950s onward from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Playground scavenger hunt for children (with prizes) and face painting
- Museum exhibits including ON TRACK: How the Railway Connected Communities and Created a Country
- Free fresh locally sourced raspberries and raspberry shortcakes baked by King City Seniors members
- Lemon and raspberry infused water or fill your reusable bottle with the on-site water truck
- Live History’s “In Time” escape room inside the King Railway Station
- Lawn games including badminton, croquet, cornhole toss, Jenga and more!
- Self tour the newly renovated King Railway Station and King Christian Church
To celebrate King 175, the King Township Historical Society will be on-site selling the commemorative The History of King Township: A Community Shaped by the Land.
Limited parking is available at the King Heritage & Cultural Centre. Guests are encouraged to carpool or park at the King Township Municipal Centre, located at 2585 King Road, and take the free shuttle bus service.
Learn more at kingheritageandculture.ca.
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