Ottawa History - In the very beginning the Algonquin Indians were the first people to inhabit the Ottawa area.

By the end of the New France in 1759, the Ottawa area was under British rule.

After the War of 1812 between Canada and the United States in 1836 and 1832 Colonel By was recognized as the first builder and planner of what was to become the Capital.

The area had a thriving forest industry. In 1855, Bytown (which is what Ottawa was once called) was incorporated and became Ottawa. Then Ottawa became of the Capital of Canada.

Queen Victoria chose the City of Ottawa in 1857 to be the seat of new government during that time. At this time the Ottawa population grew to 18,000.

April 26, 1900 a fire started in Hull and destroyed a large part of the country including the Chaudière and left thousands homeless.

February 3, 1916 another fire took seven lives in the Parliamentary reading Rooms in the Centre Block.

In 1936, Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King decided he wanted to see large parks, scenic driveways and more for the Ottawa area and thus began its change into what it is now. The plans continued over the year and finally it became what he wanted it to.

In the 1980’s Ottawa took on many new cultural exhibits for the nation and had many wonderful festivals for residents and visitors alike. Music, theatre and nightlife all became a major push for Ottawa.

Now it took on many exciting dimensions and Ottawa became the lovely city it is today. Museums were built, skyscrapers were erected and many other exciting things were brought to the area to invite others to move to the land. Today many people call it their home and many more visit it throughout the year.