Sarnia’s first settlers arrived around 1807 and were primarily French. These settlers were merely squatters for a number of years before they petitioned the Lieutenant Governor to retain their homes and land. By 1830 the French settlers on the waterfront and their First Nations counterparts were about the experience a population explosion. A number of these new settlers located in what was then known as Port Sarnia, by being granted land for service in the (British) Royal Navy. Many farmers relocated from elsewhere in Upper Canada to Port Sarnia and Sarnia Township on the encouragement of the province to act as potential militia should an American threat akin to the War of 1812 become a concern. This threat did not materialize.

Throughout this time Port Sarnia and its surrounding area continued to grow and prosper. Churches, a post office, stores, schools, municipal government, courts, jails and even a newspaper were constructed in Sarnia. Transportation was always difficult for new settlements and Port Sarnia was no different. Roads were expensive to build and with the availability of ferries and other waterway conveyances they were not kept in good shape. Travel from Sarnia to London could sometimes take up to 18 hours. The arrival of the railroad changed all of that. Now that Sarnia had reliable land transportation and the oil boom in Enniskillen Township had begun more settlers as well as more businesses began to locate here. Although the ‘oil boom’ in Lambton County did not last as long as many had expected it had created and located the refining industry in Sarnia and it was here to stay.

Other exciting links to explore to become acquainted with Sarnia-Lambton:

Tourism Sarnia-Lambton: www.tourismsarnialambton.com

The Oil Heritage District is a very exciting aspect of Sarnia-Lambton but there are so many other fun areas to explore and things to do. Tourism Sarnia Lambton will give you so many great options of events and attractions to discover you will have to keep coming back to see them all.

City of Sarnia: www.city.sarnia.on.ca

Should you need any details about the City itself, this site should be able to assist you.

County of Lambton: www.lambtononline.ca

The Oil Heritage District is located in central Lambton County and is one of many heritage sites and attractions located here.

Bluewater Bridge Authority: www.bwba.org