Area History

The Township of Mapleton was created with the amalgamation of the Townships of Peel and Maryborough and the Village of Drayton on January 1st, 1999. Much of the area was first settled in the mid 1800's. We tend to think of pioneers in Ontario as being Europeans or white United Empire Loyalists.

However, fugitive American black slaves were among the first non-aboriginal settlers in the former Peel Township area of Mapleton Township. Emancipation Day commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Colonies in 1834 was a day of celebration in the Peel township area. Although essentially a black holiday, white residents in neighbouring settled townships, such as Maryborough and the Village of Drayton joined in the revelry and thanksgiving.

European settlers came to the area in the mid 1800's and began to work the land and population increased at an alarming rate. In the late 1850's many of the settlers left, after having experienced harsh weather and poor crops. However, Old Order Mennonites from Pennsylvania began arriving in the early 1900's in search of farm land where their families could grow and prosper, and to live their lives as they wished.

At the conclusion of World War II, the Dutch population was recovering from a traumatic period of occupation and an overpopulated rural area. Both the Netherlands and Canada supported a migration to Canada and several families immigrated to the rural areas of Mapleton Township.

The Township of Mapleton has a rich history that has been well documented in several published books. Several books are available for sale at the municipal office.