Historic Timeline

From the area’s first inhabitants and initial settlement, to its development into farmland, towns and centres of industry, to the city we know today, Ottawa grew out of a variety of urban and rural communities with a rich and diverse heritage.  Scroll through the timeline to learn about major events in the history of Ottawa.

We are looking for more information about historic events from Ottawa and the surrounding area.  Do you have an interesting story about Ottawa’s past you would like to share?  Do you have information or images to add to an existing event?  Please send us your suggestions using our online form.