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Category: Oakville Black History

June 1, 1850April 20, 2026

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Oakville’s First Black Entrepreneurs

Most African Americans who came to Oakville, either aboard ship or on foot, eventually left for larger centres with better economic opportunities. Of the individuals who chose to stay in the area, there are some well remembered family names:

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January 1, 1850April 20, 2026

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“Conductor” James Wesley Hill

James Wesley Hill was an escaped slave who crossed the Potomac River into Pennsylvania and then across the border in a packing box. His first earnings he sent back to his former owner as payment on his purchase price.Hill

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January 1, 1833April 20, 2026

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The Underground Railway

Upper Canada's early Anti-Slavery Act was followed in 1833 by the complete abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. In the United States however, slavery continued. Both free and escaped slaves from the United States had been making their

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January 1, 1827April 20, 2026

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Underground Railway to Oakville

Although lesser known as an extension of the Underground Railroad than other towns such as Amherstburg, Buxton, Chatham, Dresden, Hamilton, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Toronto, St. Catharines and Windsor, the Town of Oakville was the gateway to Canada for many

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January 1, 1775April 20, 2026

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Settlement & Slavery in Upper Canada

Many Loyalists who had fought and lost on the side of the British during the American Revolution (1775-83) settled in the area of Upper Canada, known today as Ontario. Among these Loyalists were African Americans - some who were

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