Ontario’s modern settlement began with the arrival of 6000 to 10,000 Loyalists arriving from the U.S., attracted by cheap land prices. In 1791, a colonial government was set up with a lieutenant-governor, an elected legislative assembly, and appointed executive and legislative councils. The first lieutenant-governor was John Graves Simcoe. The population of Canada grew a lot, but by 1812, approximately 80% of the population was of American origin and tensions were growing between Ontario and the U.S. In 1812 a two year war started that decided nothing and borders remained unchanged. Between the years of 1825 and 1841, the population had tripled to 450,000 and by 1851 had doubled again. Ontario’s main industry in the 1850’s was agriculture. Ontario joined Confederation in 1867 and the first Premier was George Brown (who lasted four days).
Ontario History
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