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.
The King community is invited to kick-off the celebration on April 24 at the much-anticipated book launch for The History of King Township: A Community Shaped by the Land.
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!
Thursday, Apr. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the King Township Municipal Centre
The King Township Historical Society presents an author and book signing event for the launch of The History of King Township: A Community Shaped by the Land. Many years in the making, the historic, 476-page hardcover book tells the story of King from the Ice Age to present day and is authored by local writer and long-time resident Ann Love and researcher Sharon Bentley, the retired Deputy Chief Librarian of King Township Library.
The free event will feature book signings, light refreshments, a half hour of presentations starting at 5:10 p.m. that includes comments from Mayor Steve Pellegrini, author presentations, and two short dramatic readings by Arts Society King. All are welcome. Please RSVP via email to kinghistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Pre-order your copy for $30 online at kingtownshiphistoricalsociety.com. The books will be available for pick-up at the book launch, and copies will also be available for sale during the event. After April 24, copies can be purchased online for $40 and picked up at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre, located at 2920 King Road in King City.
Saturday, Jun. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre
Recognize the diverse histories, heritage, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. Join King Township as we unveil our legacy public art Indigenous community mural and medicine garden, created in partnership with the York Region Indigenous Action Committee. This free event will feature Indigenous speakers, dancers and musical performances, and refreshments will be provided. Click here to preregister.
Tuesday, Jul. 1 from 5 p.m. to dusk at Memorial Park
Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthd’eh (and King Township’s 175th anniversary!) with live musical performances, games, face painting, a drone show, food trucks and beer tent. Stay tuned for details.
Saturday, Aug. 9 at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre
The Raspberry Social was a historic event hosted for generations in the village of Laskay (in this very community hall!) until the hall was relocated to the King Heritage and Cultural Centre in 2017. Since the move, the event was last hosted in 2019. We’re holding true to our traditions and heritage and bringing back the Raspberry Social to celebrate King’s 175th anniversary! This free event will include live local musical performances, raspberry treats (think pie and lemonade) heritage displays, art displays, children’s art activities and plenty of community spirit. Stay tuned for details.
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