Archaeological site, marine history.

Details of Site Location: At the foot of Church Street on the original shoreline.

Boundary History: This was a small wharf.

Current Use of Property: The site was covered today by infill on top of which later buildings have been constructed.

Historical Description: William Cooper (1761–1840) was born in Bath, England, and came to York in 1793. In a petition of 1823, he claimed to have built the first house in the Town of York. For a time, he kept a tavern, the Toronto Coffee House, taught school, read the prayers on Sunday, was an auctioneer, and, in 1806, built a sawmill and a grist mill on the Humber. His wharf was probably built in 1815 on a water lot he was finally granted in 1816. The wharf was purchased in 1828 by William Bergin. By 1834 it was known as Feighan’s Wharf. Even later, it was leased to John Maitland and became known as Maitland’s Wharf. Among Cooper’s many profitable schemes and varying businesses, he held the post of coroner! It was not deemed necessary in those years for this position to be held by someone with medical qualifications.

Relative Importance: The site is important because the wharf was built by an extremely creative entrepreneur. It served for many years and was continually enlarged. It endured through the transitional years from sail to steam, and was used for both passenger traffic and cargoes.

Planning Implications: A plaque could be mounted on one of the buildings at the corner of Queen and Church, explaining the wharf and the incredible William Cooper. The archaeological potential of the site is negligible.

Reference Sources: Edith Firth, The Town of York 1793–1815 (1962); map by James Cane (1842); Miles’ Atlas (l878).

Acknowledgements: Maps Project.