The Shawashkong River Story
(6000 to first European contact) The York River established its present form about 4,700 years ago and has been used by the Algonquin for thousands of years. The York River was called the “Shawashkong”, meaning “crooked to the treetops” in Algonquin. It flows into the Madawaska River (meaning “reeds at the fork in the river” […]
The Lonesome Life
Built I 1938, the 100-foot steel fire tower atop Eagles Nest, providing a view of about 1,800 square km, where smoke could be detected from as far away as 24 km, was one of approximately 325 wooden and steel towers built across Ontario by 1947. Each tower was situated to overlap with at least two […]
The Legend of the Last Eagle on Eagles Nest
Oral history recounts that in the summer of 1883 a family was alerted by the screams of a small child playing outdoors at the base of Eagles Nest. The great eagle that had nested on the brink of the precipice in a large pine as long as anyone could remember had snatched the child from […]
Hardwood Forests – Not quite as it seems
On the downhill slope from the Hawkwatch, the soil depth enables healthy tree growth. Compare the healthy red oak trees here to the stunted red maples and red oaks growing on the granite bedrock above. The white pine was logged from here in the 1800s and now the soil supports a thriving deciduous forest mixed […]
The Amazing Geologic History of Eagles Nest!
Join local geologist, Chris Fouts, on Eagles Nest on July 20 at 10 a.m. for a hike like no other. Fouts will share his extensive knowledge about the geologic forces that resulted in the huge batholith that is now known as Eagles Nest. From two billion years ago to the present time, this spectacular part […]
Nature Connects on Eagles Nest
Join forest educator, Virginia deCarle on a hike in Bancroft’s beautiful Eagles Nest Park, now offered on four different dates in 2023., July 4, July 11, August 1, and August 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. This popular program is suitable for all ages, including families with children. Hear about the local forest industry and […]
Take an en plein air sketching adventure on Eagles Nest
Do you want to try something new? Join local artist and plein air enthusiast, John Christie, for a morning of sketching in beautiful Eagles Nest Park in Bancroft. This outdoor opportunity has been designed for beginners so no need to feel concerned that your skills are not yet fully developed. This en plein air sketching […]
Tourism – Settlement Continues
TOURISM- SETTLEMENT CONTINUES Following the influx of the railway lines and the eventual improvement of the road networks that accessed Bancroft and North Hastings, tourism gained a foothold as another wave of settlers found our area. The affluence of the industrial revolution created employment and success in business that gave disposable income to some searching […]
Mining Industry on Bancroft District
1866- Gold discovered in Eldorado area of Centre Hastings 1882- William Coe and Harry Johnson form company to work iron ore finds in Coe Hill /Salem area. This discovery may have triggered the extension of the railway to North Hastings 1900- Bessemer and Childs Mines open on further iron ore deposits 1900 -1901- Corundum discovered […]
Story of Lavalley Son Accidently Shot, Clark Family Drowing and the River Drive Deaths
1894- As more settlers made Bancroft and the York River their homes connections and separations were made with Algonquin First Nations from the area. When the government of the day set up the Golden Lake Algonquin reserve in the 1890’s, First Nations peoples were sent to live on the reserve and lands previously occupied by […]
