Olde Sandwich Towne, Windsor, Ontario

Olde Sandwich Towne  is where Aboriginal nations including the Chippewas, Ottawas, Potowatomis and Wyandots had originally settled in the area.  In 1797, the land was purchased from the Huron Indians and then, in 1858, was given the status of being a "town".  Located along the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, it is one of the oldest and historically significant settlements in Ontario, with many of historical events in Ontario history.  There are many historical buildings that still exist today in Sandwich Towne.  It then amalgamated in 1935 with East Windsor, Windsor and Walkerville and became the City of Windsor.

Some of the more historical points of interest in the area include, The Duff-Baby Mansion.  It is the oldest building in Windsor and, is one of the best preserved Georgian-style houses in Ontario.  It was built between 1792 and 1798 by one of the founding residents of Sandwich Towne.  It was then purchased in 1807 by military officer, James Baby.

The Duff-Baby Mansion

The McGregor-Cowan house, was built in 1805 and is one of the only residential homes in the area.  It was spared from the events of the war of 1812.  During the rebellion of 1837-1838, it was used as an officers quarters.

The McGregor-Cowan house

The Francois Baby House, which was being built in 1812, was commandeered by American Brigadier, General William Hull.  This happened during his invasion of Upper Canada.  The house was abandoned and became a museum in 1958.  As a National Historic Site, today it houses the Windsor Community Museum.

The Francois Baby House

Our Lady of Assumption Church is the oldest, continuous, Catholic Parish in Canada.  It dates back to the Huron Mission of 1728. The church has been built up by dedicated pastors and parishioners and is one of the first buildings you see when you cross the border from Detroit.

Our Lady of Assumption Church

MacKenzie Hall, built in 1855-1856 by Alexander MacKenzie.  He became the second Prime Minister of Canada in 1873.  It served as the County Court House until 1963.  Many memorable trials had been held there.

MacKenzie Hall

The original Windsor Jail, was built in 1926 in Sandwich Towne.  Three stories high and surrounded by 20 foot walls of cement, had enough room to hold 101 inmates.  Expansions were done over the years to make it larger.  Today, it is abandoned and the fate of the building unknown.

Original Windsor Jail

Post Office

Some other notable buildings include the Sandwich Towne Post Office, which is now closed.  Also there was the Dominion House, which still stands today but, was rebuilt after it endured a large fire in 1879.  It was once an Inn for stagecoach travelers going between Windsor and Amherstburg.  It is now one of the oldest taverns still operating in Ontario.

Original Dominion House

These are some of the more prominent buildings in Olde Sandwich Towne.  There are numerous other houses that still stand and are over 150 years old.  They have be remodeled over the years but, some of the original characteristics have been restored.  There is so much more to discover about the buildings and landmarks.  There is also more to discover of the more notable people that settled there and, what events occurred in the area so many years ago, in one of Windsor's more interesting areas.

Various annual festivals take place in Olde Sandwich Towne to celebrate the historical heritage of the area.  They have parades, car shows, ghost tours and Open Doors which allows you entry into some of the buildings.  You can also take your own Historic Walking Your by picking up a guide booklet from MacKenzie Hall.

There are historical murals painted on buildings, many bars with patios and restaurants.  Everything you need can be found there.  From a Farmer's Market, to a Bakery and a small town grocer.  You could spend and entire day exploring the Towne and hanging out by the river where you can find a replica of a Windmill that stood there so long ago.

Written By:  Mike Crawford

Library

Town Hall