Gateway to Northwestern Ontario Digital Collections

Adam Oliver (1875)

Description

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Creator

J. Hugill

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Photographs

Description

On June 1st, 1875, Adam Oliver made history by turning the first sod for the construction of the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway . The ceremony took place on the banks of the Kaministiquia River, at the Town Plot (later called Westfort)., Adam Oliver and his partners operated the first sawmill at Fort William. They purchased thousands of acres of timber land in the district, as well as well as property near the Town Plot., Oliver and his partners were accused of having 'inside' information about where the CPR would build its rail terminus at the Lakehead. They became part of a national scandal by purchasing land cheaply, and then selling it to the government at greatly inflated prices. Adam Oliver arranged to have the 'infamous' Neebing Hotel ( no connection to the present hotel with the same name) built on the land they had just sold. Oliver then sold the hastily built hotel as well, making a handsome profit.

Notes

Also P3454

Date of Original

1875-06-01

Subject(s)