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Port Carling, Ontario
Port Carling is located along the Indian River between Lake Muskoka and Lake Joseph. Port Carling was incorporated into a village in 1896. In 1971 Cardwell Township, Watt Township, Medora and Wood Townships, Bala, Port Carling, Windermere and part of Monck Township were merged into the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Originally called Obajewanung (or Obogawanung) meaning "meeting place" in Ojibway, the early settlers referred to it as Indian Village. When the Colonization Road was built in 1859 settlers began arriving in the area, eager for the Free Land Grants that were being offered by the government.
In 1865 two brothers named Bailey arrived with their families and were the first permanent settlers in Indian Village. Alexander Bailey claimed the land on the south side of the river and built a log cabin while Michael claimed the land on the north side.
Donald Cockburn established the first trading post around the same time and when the locks were completed in 1871 he became the first lockmaster. In 1866 Benjamin Hardcastle Johnston and his four sons William, Robert, Benjamin Jr., and Garry arrived in Muskoka from London, Ontario and settled on land at Brackenrig Bay. In 1868 he was appointed the first postmaster and named the village Port Carling after his friend, the Hon. John Carling, who was Minister of Public Works in the local government of John Sandfield Macdonald and an advocate for building the locks at Port Carling.
Locks at Port Carling, 1910
Courtesy of the Toronto Public Library
From 1869-1871 a set of locks were constructed making boat travel possible between Gravenhurst and Rosseau. This would allow settlers easier access to their free land grants but it also fuelled a new industry in Northern Ontario, the tourist trade.
Between 1871 and 1884 several resorts were built at Port Carling and the surrounding area. The Ferndale House was built in 1880 to accommodate tourists. Every day during the summer months a steamship would dock at the resort, dropping off and picking up passengers.
Today Port Carling is best known for it's upscale cottages and summer residences. The wharf, once such a vital part of the village, now contains boutiques and restaurants. Many of the older buildings along the main street remain and have been turned into businesses.
Ferndale House
Courtesy of the Toronto Public Library
