Two modern museums showcase how fascinating events in Bothwell’s history made important contributions to Canadian History.
Fairfield Museum and National Historic Site is located on the site of old Fairfield Village. The first settlement of southwestern Ontario, it was founded in 1792 for Aboriginal refugees and Moravian missionaries from Ohio. The village was burned to the ground by invading American Forces following the War of 1812’s Battle of the Thames.
Housed in a colonial-style log cabin, this exhibit of village artifacts and historic information spans 20 years from its 1792 establishment to the day the village was destroyed. Visitors can walk where the village stood and enjoy the newly developed Trans Canada Trail that winds along the Thames River.
Located at 14878 Longwoods Road.
The Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum showcases remnants of the town’s 1860s oil boom including Canada’s last original powerhouse. An interactive walking tour illustrates how the discovery of oil in the 1860s turned Bothwell into the largest community outside of Toronto almost overnight. Located at 29785 Zone Road 7, Bothwell.
The sacrifices of local men are told through stories and photos at the Soldiers Wall of Fame tribute in the former town hall building in downtown Bothwell. The small town is also home to Old Autos Newspaper, which has a worldwide distribution.