Harwood History on Rice Lake begins 1828 when the area now know as Harwood (originally known as Sully) was purchased by Robert Harwood.

This influx of settlers created demand for new roads as well as railways to connect Harwood to the surrounding area. The Cobourg and Peterborough Railway was built under a charter secured in 1852, authorizing the construction of the railroad from Cobourg to Peterborough.

On February, 9th 1853 there was a sod turning ceremony complete with a great parade. Citizens from Cobourg turned out in large numbers, celebrating with a torchlight procession as well as a ball held in honor of the occasion.

Upon completion of the 14 ½ mile section between Cobourg and Harwood, construction continued on the causeway-bridge combination that would eventually span Rice Lake. This bridge was one of the largest engineering and construction undertakings in North America at the time.

After overcoming many extenuating difficulties it finally opened to traffic in late December 1854. In late 1861 the bridge collapsed due to ice movements and acts of vandalism and was closed.

Steamers where then introduced on the lake to transport lumber from area mills and iron ore from a mine at Blairton, east of Rice Lake, through the Harwood terminal. This railway continued operation on both sides of the lake until ore ran out in 1882.

In 1889 the Grand Trunk Railroad took over the railway. It is not known for sure when the final train ran to Harwood, but there was limited use of the line into the first decade of the 20th century.

Harwood today is largely known for its’ clear clean water originating from an artisan well located at the Harwood Memorial Park Hall, its’ Summer Cottage Tourism as well as great fishing opportunities found at the Harwood dock and the waters of Rice Lake.

Return to Home Page from Harwood History on Rice Lake