Timeline of Toronto history

This timeline of the history of Toronto shows important moments in the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It starts from the early-1600s and goes up to today. The timeline includes places that are now part of Toronto, such as East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, and York.

Before 1998, these areas were separate. In 1998, they joined together to form the city of Toronto. This timeline helps us see how Toronto grew and changed over many years. It shows both big and small moments that shaped the city.

Pre-founding of Toronto

The history of Toronto began long before the city was officially founded. Early events in the area help explain how Toronto came to be.

Year	Date	Events
Pre-European
1450s		Several hundred Wyandot (Huron) live in about 21 longhouses within a fortified village located in what is now North Toronto (Castlefield Avenue, just west of Avenue Road).
1450s		A large Huron-Wendat village is located on a rise of land overlooking Black Creek.
17th century
1615		Étienne Brûlé, with 12 Huron scouts, arrives at the mouth of the Humber River on the shores of Lake Ontario as the first European to set foot in the vicinity now known as Toronto.
1650s–1700		Teiaiagon Seneca village exists on the bank of the Humber at today's Baby Point neighbourhood
1660s		Ganatsekwyagon (Bead Hill) Seneca village exists on the bank of the lower Rouge River.
18th century
1720		A magasin royal (fur trading post), known as Fort Douville, is established near the former site of Teiaiagon.
1750		Fort Rouillé is established.
1759		Fort Rouillé is destroyed by its garrison.
1787		The Toronto Purchase occurs.
1791		The lands of Etobicoke, York, and Scarborough are surveyed in preparation for settlement.
1792		Joseph Bouchette is sent to Upper Canada to help survey the shores of Lake Ontario and produce maps.
1793		Fort York is established.
1793	August 26	York (Upper Canada) is incorporated as a township.
1795		Etobicoke is named by John Graves Simcoe
1796		Scarborough is named by Elizabeth Simcoe.
1797	June 1	The first session of the parliament of York is held.

19th century

The 19th century was a time of big changes for Toronto.

In 1803, soldiers built Fort York to protect the town. The fort helped keep everyone safe.

By 1834, Toronto had grown enough to become a city. More people were moving in, and the town needed new buildings and leaders.

In 1850, Toronto got new rules to help manage the growing city. This made it easier for people to live and work together.

The city kept growing through the rest of the century. More people came to live in Toronto, and new neighborhoods were built.

20th century

The 20th century brought many changes to Toronto.

Early 1900s

In the early 1900s, Toronto grew quickly. New buildings went up, and more people moved to the city. Public transportation, like streetcars, helped people get around.

World War II

During World War II, Toronto played an important role. Many people from the city served to protect their country. The city also helped make supplies for the war effort.

Post-war growth

After the war, Toronto grew even more. Many people from other countries moved to the city, looking for new opportunities. This made Toronto a more diverse place.

1960s and 1970s

In the 1960s and 1970s, Toronto continued to grow. New neighborhoods were built, and the city became more modern. People started to care more about the environment and how to keep the city clean.

1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s and 1990s, Toronto faced some challenges. The economy had ups and downs, and the city had to deal with changes in how people lived. But through it all, Toronto remained a strong and important city in Canada.

21st century

List of years in Canada