Wallaceburg, Ontario, an unincorporated community in the municipality of Chatham-Kent, is a town with a rich history and a vibrant tourism scene. With a population of 10,098 as of 2016, Wallaceburg is known for its significant contributions to the lumber, boat building, and glass making industries. It's also home to the annual Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO), a popular antique vehicle show.
Founded in the early 19th century, Wallaceburg was named after Scotland's national hero, Sir William Wallace. It was incorporated as a village in 1875 and later as a town in 1896. In 1998, it was amalgamated into the new municipality of Chatham–Kent.
The first settlers arrived in the Wallaceburg area in 1804, establishing the Baldoon Settlement along the Snye River. Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, brought poor farmers and peasants from Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland to Wallaceburg, offering them a chance to build better lives. Despite facing numerous challenges, including malaria, harsh winters, marshland, lack of food, and American invaders during the War of 1812, the Baldoon settlers contributed significantly to the early success and development of Wallaceburg.
The Baldoon Mystery, one of Ontario's most famous haunting stories, allegedly occurred between 1829 and 1840 within a few kilometers of Wallaceburg.
Wallaceburg's first major industry was the lumber trade, which thrived during the mid- to late 19th century. The town later became known for its glass, brass, and sugar industries. The Sydenham Glass Company, which operated from 1894 to 1999, was a significant part of Wallaceburg's industrial history. Other notable industries included the Canadian and Dominion Sugar Company and the Wallaceburg Brass Company.
In 1878, James Paris Lee and his brother John perfected a rifle with a box magazine in Wallaceburg. This rifle later became an antecedent to the famous Lee–Enfield rifle. The prototype is currently housed at the Wallaceburg and District Museum.
Wallaceburg offers a variety of attractions and events, including fishing, hunting, golf, and boating. The Wallaceburg and District Museum documents the town's history, from the area's First Nations groups to its rich industrial heritage. The museum also houses the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame and the Lee Rifle prototype.
The Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO) is Wallaceburg's largest annual summer festival. Started in 1988, it is the largest transportation show in Canada, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors each year.
Wallaceburg is connected to Chatham, Blenheim, Sarnia, and the Blue Water Bridge to the United States by Highway 40. The Sydenham River, which runs through the town, provides a water connection to Lake St. Clair and the rest of the Great Lakes water basin.
Wallaceburg is home to several community organizations, including the Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce, the BIA, the Rotary, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Columbus, Royal Canadian Legion, and Kinsmen.
