Modern Mississauga presents Way Back Wednesdays - The history of Dixie Road

Modern Mississauga and Heritage Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Way Back Wednesdays."
We’ll share information about the history of Mississauga here and answer your questions.
Today’s topic is the history of Dixie Road.

Formerly known as Third Line East, Dixie Road was named for the historic community of Dixie, which was centred on Dundas Street between modern Cawthra and Dixie roads. While the route of Dixie Road itself was surveyed in 1806, the community that gradually emerged was informally known over time as Fonthill, Fountain Hill, Irishtown, Corktown and Sydenham, amongst other names.

In 1865, the community and post office chose to formally name themselves in honour of beloved local doctor, Doctor Beaumont Wilson Bowen Dixie (1819-1898). Born in Wales, he came to Canada in 1831 and gained his medical license in 1842. His family settled in Erindale in 1846, and as a country doctor he served a wide area as physician and surgeon right up until his passing in 1898. He was well respected and considered to be one of the leading physicians in the province.

If you’ve got a question about the history of our city, we want to hear from you.
Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Way Back Wednesday” in the subject line.