The modern city of Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Its history dates back centuries. But what was on the land that is now Canada’s capital? Who lived there, and what did they do, or were these lands empty? The founding and development of every city are unique and fascinating. The same is true for the creation of Ottawa. Read more on ottawa-future.com.
In the early 1800s, a small settlement existed where the future capital of Canada would be. At that time, this small workers’ town was called Bytown. The population of Bytown in the early 1820s and 1830s primarily consisted of builders who lived along the riverbanks. In the mid-19th century, construction of the Rideau Canal began. It’s worth noting that the first mentions of settlements in the area of what is now Ottawa appear in historical records long before the 19th century. References to the area date back to the French colonization of Canada.
Where Did Ottawa’s Name Come From?
Local scholars and historians believe that the name of modern Ottawa comes from the Ottawa River, which flows through the city. In turn, the river was named after the “Ottawa” or “Outaouais” tribe, who lived in the valley in ancient times.
The name “Ottawa” wasn’t chosen randomly, as it translates to “traders,” reflecting the thriving fur and timber trade that existed long before the founding of what would become the modern city of Ottawa.
Before being named Ottawa, the city was called Bytown, in honour of Royal Engineer John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 19th century.
The Life of the Ottawa Tribe
The Ottawa tribe lived along the riverbanks and on the lands that later became modern Ottawa. They remained in the area until around 1651. It’s important to note that the Ottawa tribe was among the first to make contact with a European—Samuel de Champlain. Champlain came to explore the territories of what would become Canada, and during his expedition, he established contact with the local tribe.
Later, the tribe was involved in the “Beaver Wars,” as people fought to seize more territories that offered advantages in the fur trade. As a result, the Ottawa tribe and others were forced to relocate to safer areas away from trade routes.
Early Historical Mentions of the City
In 1759, the land where Ottawa now stands came under the control of the British Crown. After colonization, the area began to develop rapidly. The fur and timber trade reached new heights, setting the stage for the establishment of the future city of Ottawa.
Over the years, the area grew, new settlers arrived, and the first mention of the area as a town appeared in 1827, under the name Bytown. At that time, the Rideau Canal was being constructed between two rivers running through the town, under the supervision of Royal Engineer John By, after whom the town was named. In the 1820s and 1830s, Bytown’s population mainly consisted of workers and builders working on the canal.
By 1839, the population of Bytown had reached almost two thousand, consisting of workers from the Rideau Canal who had settled and started families. In 1850, Bytown officially became a town, and five years later, in 1855, it was renamed Ottawa. By that time, Ottawa’s population had grown significantly to ten thousand.
Throughout the 1850s and 1860s, the city continued to grow, driven by new trade opportunities. Trade has always been the driving force behind the development of this area, expanding and advancing it. During this period, the logging industry played a vital role in the city’s growth, with timber being floated down the river. The fur trade also grew significantly.
When Did Ottawa Become the Capital of Canada?
By 1857, the territories of Canada were undergoing rapid development. The British-controlled lands had grown so much that it was time to choose a capital for Canada. Several cities were considered, including Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. However, Ottawa had several key advantages over the other cities. One of the most significant was its location between two regions: French-speaking and English-speaking Canada, as well as between two major cities—Montreal and Toronto. Additionally, Ottawa was located farther from the U.S. border than the other cities, which was crucial at the time due to the recent Anglo-American War.
In 1857, the citizens of Ottawa petitioned Queen Victoria, requesting that she select their city as the capital of Canada.
The Construction of Parliament
Ottawa officially became the capital of Canada by law in 1867. As the newly designated capital, the city needed a government building. Soon after, construction began near the Rideau Canal on a hill. For the construction of the grand Parliament building, the best and most qualified engineers and architects were employed. At the time, the construction cost an enormous sum—almost $4.5 million.
City Expansion
In 1958, Canada established the National Capital Region, an administrative area covering nearly 4,800 square kilometers. This area included 27 municipalities, with Ottawa being the largest. The second-largest was Hull.
By the mid-20th century, Ottawa had developed in a rather chaotic manner. To organize the city’s growth more effectively, government officials created the “Greber Plan,” which called for the removal of all railways and industrial enterprises from the city. This was done to ensure a healthy environment, with more green spaces for the citizens. As a result, the Ottawa government established the “Greenbelt” surrounding the city.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Ottawa began developing as a research hub. Several world-renowned companies established themselves in the city, turning Ottawa into a center of innovation.
In the early 2000s, Ottawa launched a small metro line, which had been in the works for quite some time. This helped to organize the city’s infrastructure more efficiently and expand the city by incorporating nearby suburbs. As a result, Ottawa’s area increased significantly in the early 2000s, and by the start of the 21st century, Ottawa’s population exceeded one million.
