History Pages from Buxton

1910 Class photo from Raleigh SS # 13

The history of the Buxton Settlement and the surrounding area is rich with stories of the Underground Railroad and the successes of our early settlers in the community they built. The people of this community have proudly maintained their history throughout the years by telling the story to all who would listen. The task of preserving it is the reason for the establishment of, and remains the primary focus of, the Buxton Historic Site & Museum.

On February 12, 1999, 150 years of contributing to the Canadian way of life was officially recognized by the Canadian Government. At a ceremony held in Toronto the designation of the Buxton Settlement as a National Historic Site honouring its role in the Underground Railroad was announced. In his address commemorating the event, The Secretary of State (Parks) Andy Mitchell said "The story of the Underground Railroad is the stuff of legends and epics, a unique chapter in Canadian history."

On this occasion in her remarks, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) Dr. Hedy Fry said, "Canada's Black community is rightly proud of its traditions of tolerance, courage and accomplishment as exemplified by the Underground Railroad, The Government of Canada wishes to share their traditions, history and heritage with as many Canadians as possible."

Eight members of the Buxton Community were able to be in attendance when this monumental announcement was made. Included in their number were two of the founding members of the Buxton Historic Site & Museum. They are Mrs. Dorothy Shadd Shreve and Mr. Earl Prince.

The following week in our nation's capital, Ottawa, while addressing those gathered at the 3rd annual Mathieu Da Costa Awards, Dr. Fry told those present that Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world. "Mathieu Da Costa may have been the first Black person in Canada," she explained, "but he was not the last. Any Canadian history that leaves out the contributions of Canadians of African heritage gives a false picture of who we are. At different times in our history, people of many cultural backgrounds have come to Canada and it is their contributions that have helped us develop a country that is the envy of the world. We have a lot to celebrate today."

During her speech Dr. Fry took time to mention the Underground Railroad Designationsmade the previous week commemorating the historical status of both the Nazry A.M.E. Church in Amherstburg and the Buxton Settlement. Representatives of both newly designated National Historic Sites were in attendance and were asked to stand by the Minister.