A Snapshot of Scarborough's History

This is the flag of Scarborough:


Before Scarborough amalgamated into the City of Toronto, it was its own city, with its own government and flag. "Founded" in the early 1700's by British settlers, Scarborough was named after the Scarborough in England.

Elizabeth Simcoe, of England, is credited as the name-giver of the region. She had said the sandy bluffs on Lake Ontario reminded her of the Scarborough Bluffs back home. Scarborough, England then became the namesake of Scarborough, Canada.

Apparently there were no permanent settlers in this region before the British. But there is evidence of many Aboriginal tribes using the area. In fact, there is an Iroquois burial ground on Bellamy, near Lawrence, at what is now called Taber Hill Park.

This is the plaque that now rests near the site.

(Photo credit goes to Alan L Brown.)

It reads:
Taber Hill

Site of an ancient Indian ossuary of the Iroquois nation. Burials were made about 1250 AD. This ossuary was uncovered when farm lands were developed into residential properties in 1956. This common grave contains the remains of approximately 472 persons.

Dedicated as a historical site by the Township of Scarborough.
October 21, 1961.