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In 1896 five Hamilton businessmen known as "The Five Johns" (John Dickenson, John Gibson, John Moodie Sr., John Patterson and John Sutherland), invested in the new concept of hydro-electric generation and transmission. Backed by the Bank of Hamilton and with technical advice from the Royal Electric Company, they formed the Cataract Power Company. Starting in 1898, water from the Welland Canal was used to generate inexpensive hydro-electric power at DeCew Falls. The power was transmitted 43 kilometres to a power sub-station on Victoria Avenue. Hamilton became the foremost electrified city in Canada and achieved world leadership in electrical power development. (Content courtesy of Workers' City, HPL Local History and Archives; hamiltonpostcards.com; archives.org; C. Redford)

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We preserve and present the many untold stories of Hamilton and Hamiltonians in a sustainable, accessible, inclusive and engaging manner. Through this virtual platform, we empower residents and community members as collaborators and co-creators in bringing their histories to life. The Hamilton Civic Museums are equal parts physical, mobile and virtual.

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