HISTORICAL CHARM, COMTEMPORARY LIVING
a LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
NEW HAMBURG
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Nith River, New Hamburg is a charming community of approximately 11,953 residents (as of 2011) located in the township of Wilmot, Ontario. Positioned in the far western part of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, near the boundary with Perth County, New Hamburg is adjacent to the community of Baden and within close proximity to the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Stratford.
A Settlement with German Roots
The history of New Hamburg dates back to 1832 when the settlement was laid out amidst the fertile soils of the region. The area was initially settled primarily by German immigrants, including Mennonites and other German groups, who brought with them a wealth of cultural and agricultural expertise. A significant figure in the early days was Josiah Cushman, an Amish Mennonite from Germany, who is likely to have been the first settler. Arriving in the early 1830s, Cushman dammed Smith's Creek and established a sawmill, creating a nucleus that attracted other settlers to the area. Originally known as Cassel and then Hamburgh, the settlement adopted the name New Hamburg by 1840.
The Visionary Leadership of William Scott
William Scott, known in his native Scotland as Lord Campfield, arrived in New Hamburg in 1838, following the death of Cushman. Scott played a pivotal role in the development of the community, renaming Smith's Creek to the Nith River and constructing a new dam and sawmill. The original mill, which planed lumber until it burned down in 1902, was replaced by a feed mill, now known as B-W Feed and Seed. Scott’s legacy in New Hamburg extends beyond his industrial contributions; he served as the first postmaster, a justice of the peace, a school commissioner, Wilmot Town Councillor, Reeve, and Lieutenant Colonel of the 5th Battalion of the Waterloo Infantry. His multifaceted career and dedication to the community have earned him recognition as the founder of New Hamburg.
A Hub of Industry and Commerce
The establishment of the New Hamburg post office by Scott in 1851 marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth and industrialization. By then, the population had reached 500, and the village was home to a pottery, carriage works, and a foundry. The arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1856 further spurred development, facilitating the establishment of milling and farm machinery manufacturing industries. By 1858, the population had doubled to 1,000, and New Hamburg boasted numerous mills, factories, general stores, and eight taverns.
Incorporated as a village in 1857 with a population of about 1,100, New Hamburg continued to thrive. The Nith River powered two wool factories and two flour mills by 1864, and a foundry manufactured agricultural implements. The village also supported several large companies producing carriages, buggies, and wagons. By 1869, the population had grown to 1,400, reflecting the community's ongoing prosperity.
A Heritage of Conservation
Today, New Hamburg’s downtown core is recognized as a Heritage Conservation District, celebrating the rich history and architectural legacy of the community. The Nith River still winds through the town, its presence highlighted by a striking 50-foot waterwheel built in 1990 that stands as a testament to the town’s industrious past. Local newspapers, the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette and the New Hamburg Independent, continue to serve the community, reflecting its vibrant and close-knit nature.
From Village to Town
New Hamburg’s transition from a village to a town in 1966 marked a new chapter in its development. The community continues to honor its historical roots while embracing growth and modernization. With its picturesque setting, rich history, and vibrant community life, New Hamburg remains a quintessential example of Ontario’s small-town charm.