St. Thomas

St. Thomas is a city in southwestern Ontario built as a major railway junction, and the landscape still reflects this industrial role. Historic train stations, repair shops, and rail-related structures remain visible throughout the urban areas today.

The settlement was founded in 1810 and named after Colonel Thomas Talbot, an early regional settler. By the late 1800s it had become a major railway hub with multiple lines, a transformation that shaped the town's growth and economic importance for generations.

The town's identity is deeply rooted in its railway past, which remains visible in the architecture and layout throughout the streets. Visitors can explore old stations and rail buildings that show how the trains shaped the way the community developed and grew.

The town is easy to walk through, with routes connecting different neighborhoods and main buildings. Visit during quieter times to better see the historic structures and move around without dealing with traffic congestion.

A life-sized statue commemorates Jumbo, a famous circus elephant that was struck and killed by a locomotive here in 1885. This unusual event brought worldwide attention to the town, and the monument remains a curiosity that catches many visitors off guard.

Location: Elgin County

Inception: 1810

Elevation above the sea: 230 m

Shares border with: Central Elgin, Southwold

Website: https://stthomas.ca

GPS coordinates: 42.77500,-81.18333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:37