The first settlers, who arrived in December 1828, were two tavern keepers who located along the Huron Road - Sebastian Fryfogel and Andreas Seebach. After surveying farm lots and advertising in the British Isles and Germany, the Canada Company opened the tract to settlers in 1832. During the 1830s and 1840s, these townships were almost completely settled.
The southern eight townships were laid out in 1827 as part of the Huron Tract belonging to the Canada Company, a British corporation interested in land development and settlement in Upper Canada (the townships were named for the directors of the company). These included:
- North Easthope
- South Easthope
- Ellice
- Logan
- Downie
- Fullarton
- Hibbert
- Blanshard
The northern three townships were part of the crown lands known as the "Queen's Bush" that lay between the Huron Tract and Georgian Bay. These included:
- Wallace
- Elma
- Mornington
The townships were filled with settlers in the late 1840s and 1850s. By 1871, the county was settled by equal amounts of English, Irish, Scottish, and German immigrants. In more recent years, the area has seen the addition of Dutch, Flemish and Swiss immigrants.
The County of Perth was officially established in January 1850 with 11 townships from the former Huron and Wellington Districts. With the opening of the first courthouse at Stratford in January 1853, the County was separated from the united counties of Huron, Perth and Bruce. Five urban municipalities (Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell, Listowel, and Milverton) were incorporated over the years in addition to the townships. In January 1998, the municipalities within the county were reduced from 14 to four, although the City of Stratford and the Town of St. Marys continue their separate existence outside the county government. The four new municipalities are:
- The Municipality of North Perth
- The Township of Perth East
- The Township of Perth South
- The Municipality of West Perth
The county is prime agricultural land and is known for mixed farming, dairying and hog production. In the past, it was well-known for its numerous cheese and butter factories, some of which are still in operation. Listowel was also known for its furniture production.
Stratford-Perth Archives is a state of the art, accessible facility with dedicated staff responsible for preserving and making available photographs, maps, films and other documents illuminating our area's rich past. Explore our exhibits. Research your family, home, business, school or club. Meet here for presentations about local history. Celebrate your new book or film about Stratford and area with a launch party at the Archives. Market Perth County products with vintage images from the collections.
Located on a 5 acre complex just west of Stratford, the museum showcases a number of exciting exhibits throughout the year, some in partnership with the Stratford Festival. In the winter months, join them for skating on their outdoor rink and snowshoeing on the trails.
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