The City of Brantford

Now that you know all about the five different locations Laurier University operates from, it's time to learn more about the City of Brantford. 

The City of Brantford

Brantford is a city located in southern Ontario, Canada. At times, Brantford is known as The Telephone City, in honour of one of former residents, Alexander Graham Bell. From the outskirts of the city, Bell conducted the world's first telephone call to Paris, Ontario in 1876. Another famous individual from Brantford is Wayne Gretzky.  The city has renamed the intersection leading into Brantford the "Wayne Gretzky Parkway" and a recreational center the "Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre" in honor of the famous hockey player. 

Wayne Gretzky, playing for the New York Rangers

Other notable Brantfordians are the artist Lawren Harris, who was a member of the Group of Seven, and comedian Phil Hartman.

Lawren Harris, artist

Phil Hartman, comedian

If you are wondering why this blog is called "Life on Brant's Ford", instead of "Life in Brantford", it is because of this man.

Captain Joseph Brant

Born of the native Mohawk tribe, Thayendanegea fought in the Seven Years War and the American Revolution, allied to Great Britain in both conflicts. He was a particularly influential military and political leader among the indigenous population. After the decisive American victory, Brant led his followers and the Loyalists from the former province of New York northwards to British North America, also known as Canada.

The Mohawk people were rewarded a land grant along the Grand River of the Province of Upper Canada (Ontario, as we call it today) by the British Crown for their loyalty in the war. Brant and his people crossed the Grand River and established a permanent settlement at the Six Nations Reserve. This area around the Grand River became known as Brant's Ford. In 1847, European settlers established a settlement of their own near the river, and named that village after the area that surrounded it. Over time, this small village grew into a city that we know today as Brantford.