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Ottawa in the Late-19th Century: Fascinating Historic Photos Show What the Canadian Capital Looked Like Over 120 Years Ago

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Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It was founded as a town in 1826 by and it prospered on the lumber trade. The town was renamed Ottawa in 1855, and incorporated as a city. The city name Ottawa was chosen in reference to the Ottawa River.

The city grew and developed rapidly; the construction of the parliament buildings on Parliament Hill began in 1860. The Ottawa Academy and Young Ladies’ Seminary was established on Sparks Street in 1861. Ottawa became part of the transcontinental rail network in 1886. The construction of a vast public transportation network began in the late-19th century when Thomas Ahearn founded the Ottawa Electric Railway Company in 1893.

Here below are some stunning historical photos that will take you back to the old Ottawa in the late 19th century soon after it was incorporated as a city. Vote your favorites and don’t forget to share.

#1 Elgin St. from Wellington with the City Hall on the left background, 1890s

Elgin St. from Wellington with the City Hall on the left background, 1890s

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#5 Entrance to the Rideau Canal, 1890s

Entrance to the Rideau Canal, 1890s

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#7 A small bridge along the Rideau Drive, Ottawa, 1890s.

A small bridge along the Rideau Drive, Ottawa, 1890s.

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#9 Horse drawn cab stand in front of the East Block, 1897

Horse drawn cab stand in front of the East Block, 1897

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#10 Metcalfe corner of Sparks, 1895

Metcalfe corner of Sparks, 1895

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#14 Construction workers on timber transportation boats on the Ottawa River, Ottawa, 1880.

Construction workers on timber transportation boats on the Ottawa River, Ottawa, 1880.

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#15 Orme’s Piano Store on Sparks St., 1897

Orme's Piano Store on Sparks St., 1897

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#20 The main building of the Central Canada Exhibition, 1890s

The main building of the Central Canada Exhibition, 1890s

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#21 Timber Slide at Chaudiere Falls, 1890

Timber Slide at Chaudiere Falls, 1890

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#22 Icemen cutting blocks of ice from the Ottawa River near the Prince of Wales Br., 1890s

Icemen cutting blocks of ice from the Ottawa River near the Prince of Wales Br., 1890s

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#24 Ottawa Electric Railway streetcar in Britannia Park, 1890s

Ottawa Electric Railway streetcar in Britannia Park, 1890s

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#25 Ottawa Ladies College hockey group, 1899

Ottawa Ladies College hockey group, 1899

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#27 Looking east on Sparks Street, at Bank Street, 1890s

Looking east on Sparks Street, at Bank Street, 1890s

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#28 A camp scene, with a group of hunters gathered around a campfire next to their tent, Ottawa, 1860.

A camp scene, with a group of hunters gathered around a campfire next to their tent, Ottawa, 1860.

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#29 Gentlemen contemplate the beauty of the Chaudiere falls on the River Ottawa, 1860.

Gentlemen contemplate the beauty of the Chaudiere falls on the River Ottawa, 1860.

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#30 A man fishing near the Chaudiere Falls on the Ottawa River, 1860.

A man fishing near the Chaudiere Falls on the Ottawa River, 1860.

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#35 Russell Hotel, 1893.

Russell Hotel, 1893.

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#36 Russell House Hotel at Sparks St. southeast corner and Elgin St., 1882

Russell House Hotel at Sparks St. southeast corner and Elgin St., 1882

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#40 Macadam Rd. being built now Main St. in Old Ottawa East, 1890s

Macadam Rd. being built now Main St. in Old Ottawa East, 1890s

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#45 Rideau Street, 1898.

Rideau Street, 1898.

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#48 The Grand Hotel on Sussex Dr. at Rideau St., 1890s.

The Grand Hotel on Sussex Dr. at Rideau St., 1890s.

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#49 View from the Victoria Tower of the old Parliament in 1889

View from the Victoria Tower of the old Parliament in 1889

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#50 Timber Slide in Ottawa, 1890s

Timber Slide in Ottawa, 1890s

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#55 Chicken vendor in the market on York St., Ottawa, 1899

Chicken vendor in the market on York St., Ottawa, 1899

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#60 Stonemasons working on the building of the Victoria Museum in Ottawa, 1890s

Stonemasons working on the building of the Victoria Museum in Ottawa, 1890s

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#65 Sussex street and George Street, Ottawa, 1890s

Sussex street and George Street, Ottawa, 1890s

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#66 The first theater on Old Sparks Street, Ottawa, 1890s

The first theater on Old Sparks Street, Ottawa, 1890s

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#70 Cows on Fifth Ave., Ottawa, 1899

Cows on Fifth Ave., Ottawa, 1899

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#73 Election Day in front of Ottawa East town hall, 1890s

Election Day in front of Ottawa East town hall, 1890s

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#75 Elgin St. looking south from Wellington Street, 1890s

Elgin St. looking south from Wellington Street, 1890s

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#80 Construction of the Alexandra Bridge, 1898-1900

Construction of the Alexandra Bridge, 1898-1900

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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