History of Prescott, Ontario

The history of Prescott, Ontario is strongly influenced by its geographic position along the Saint Lawrence River. The point at the narrowing of the river led to the persistent use of the area for military fortifications intended to gave a degree of control over the river, as well as playing a significant part in regional conflicts of the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The historical navigational challenges downriver from Prescott gave it an uncommon role in Great Lakes shipping and the Saint Lawrence river trade, and contributed to the development of its freight forwarding industry, which began in the early 19th century.

Prescott's history continued to be dominated by the transportation industry well into the 20th century, but it also saw the development of a significant brewing and distilling industry beginning in the late 19th century.