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The History of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada Introduction The Muskoka District is located in Ontario, Canada. It is compromised of the townships of Georgian Bay, Muskoka Lakes, Town of Huntsville, Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, and Lake Of Bays. The Muskoka region and its tourism has in part thrived due to its amazing collection of... Read more »
  • Muskoka History

    The History of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada Introduction The Muskoka District is located in Ontario, Canada. It is compromised of the townships of Georgian Bay, Muskoka Lakes, Town of Huntsville, Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, and Lake Of Bays. The Muskoka region and its tourism has in part thrived due to its amazing collection of rocky and rugged landscapes. The rocky base of the Canadian Shield is a visible exposure of the earth’s early formation revealed during the last ice age. Rock in the Muskokas has been dated back as far back as 1.5 billion years, it is part of the initial crust of the Earth. The Muskoka region with its Canadian Shield is rich in its the natural beauty of lakes, vast forests and breathtaking views. The trees include black spruce, white spruce, jack pine, tamarack, poplar, white birch and balsam. There are over 1,600 beautiful fresh water glistening lakes making Muskoka a one of the most popular tourists destinations in the world. The term Muskoka was first mentioned in records in 1615. The territory was mainly occupied by Algonquin and Huron tribes Indians. One of the earliest explorers to the region was Samuel De Champlain. The name Muskoka is assumed to come from the name of a Chippawa tribe chief called “Mesqua Ukee” which means “not easily turned back in the day of battle”. Mesqua Ukee signed the Muskoka area treaties between the Indians and Province of Canada. First Settlers To Muskoka In the beginning it was considered turning Muskoka into a large Indian reserve. However, Muskoka’s substantial forestry potential and the need to find locations for the large number of settlers in southern Ontario altered the idea. The Province of Ontario then started encouraging settlers to locate into Muskoka with the Free Land Grant and Homestead Act of 1868. The Free Land Grand and Homestead Act transferred 200 acres of Muskoka land to families if they meet the following conditions. The party had to be 18 years or older, they wanted to use the land for settlement and cultivation. The settler would have to clear 15 acres of the land, build a 16″ by 20″ or greater house, live on the property for at least 6 months of a year for 5 years. Once the party did this, they would apply for a land patent and become the owner of the property. Read more…