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More History
In June of last year the village of Sparta celebrated the 200th anniversary of the arrival of a Quaker immigrant by the name of Jonathan Doan who proceeded to acquire land for a Quaker settlement. In 1814 Quaker settlers began to arrive in some strength, clearing farmland and erecting a meeting house and other buildings. The earliest structures exhibit the distinctive colonial style practised by the Quakers. As you explore the village you can still see evidence of their handiwork in shops, mills, schools, private residences, barns and meeting houses.
In 1834 a meeting of landowners decided to name the growing village Sparta. Immigrants from the British Isles and continental Europe continued to arrive and added their distinctive character to churches and dwellings. The community reached its height of prosperity in the 1870s. At this time the railways through St. Thomas attracted the attention of investors and settlers and led to rapid growth of the little community. Sparta lies in a fine agricultural region, not the least of which is the Fruit Ridge to the north. Doors Open visitors may choose to spend their time exploring vineyards or natural heritage areas, or they may wish to visit the many fine old buildings in the village where they will be welcomed by modern day residents of the community.
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Located in the heart of South-west Ontario's tourist country
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