St. Thomas (2001 population 33,236; area of 32.24km²) is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada.
The city, located at the intersection of two historical roads, was first settled in 1810. It was named the seat of the new Elgin County in 1844 and was incorporated in 1852. It officially became a city in 1881.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century several railways were constructed through the city, and St. Thomas became an important railway junction. A total of 26 railways have passed through the city since the first railway was completed in 1856. It has earned the title of the Railway Capital of Canada. In the 1950s and 1960s, with the decline of the railway as a mode of transportation, other industry began to locate in the city, principally primary and secondary automotive manufacturing.
Jumbo (the elephant) died here on September 15, 1885 when a train crashed into him. There is a commemorative statue remaining that was erected in 1985, for the centennial of Jumbo's demise.
The city was named after Thomas Talbot who helped promote the development of this region during the early 19th century.
External links
Last updated: 08-04-2005 18:59:50
