Historic Cobourg
History is one of those amazing topics that brings you into its story and helps you to appreciate where we’ve been and exactly how we’ve reached the place we’re in now.
The Cobourg & Area Museum
The Cobourg & Area Museum is housed in one long stone building, commonly called “the barracks” and an 1870s workman’s cottage. The volunteers that help keep the place running will tell you that they don’t have a lot of space and they like it that way because everywhere you look is part of the story.
The land on which the museum stands was once owned by James Calcutt, an Irishman who immigrated to Canada in 1832 and built a brewery to successfully meet the needs of thirsty Cobourgers. Whether he built “the barracks” or just took it over from the local military remains a mystery.
In 1999 a local group, including Doug Sifton and David Cook, formed the Cobourg Museum Foundation to rescue the building before it completely collapsed and was demolished.
The Centre opened to the public in 2012 and each year since a different part of the area’s history has been told. When you stop in be sure to bring the kids for a chance to see the 1/20 scale model of the historic Cobourg and Peterborough Railway and its famous Rice Lake Bridge.
18 Spencer St.
The Poplars
Cobourg’s oldest surviving house retaining its original exterior, this fine house was built by the area’s first sheriff, John Kelly Spencer, a United Empire Loyalist.
100 University Ave. E.
Victoria College
Built 1832
This handsome Greek Revival structure with its Doric-columned portico, temple details and tall cupola was opened by the Wesleyan Methodists as a school in 1836. It was originally called Upper Canada Academy.
212 King St. W.
Marie Dressler House
Built 1848
This handsome Ontario cottage, long known as the birthplace of Oscar-winning actress Marie Dressler, has been completely restored and contains memorabilia and video clips on the actress’ life and career.
55 King St. W.
Victoria Hall
Built 1860
The visual culmination of Cobourg’s early aspirations to become the province’s leading city is Cobourg’s municipal building, the center of political, legal and cultural life of the town for over 150 years. It stands as a testament of the drive of the town’s forebears.
202 Church St.
Robert Mulholland House
Built 1878
One of Cobourg’s most architecturally exuberant houses, this ‘Tuscan Villa’ house was built for Robert Mulholland, a merchant who made a small fortune in western land and grain speculation.
7 Fitzhugh Lane
Ravensworth
Built 1901
Built by American General Charles Lane Fitzhugh, Ravensworth was inspired by a family plantation of the same name in Virginia. Changing hands several times over the years, it recently underwent a thoughtful revitalization to preserve its full beauty.