Napier

Introduction

Photo of former store
The former general store underwent years of restoration
©Jeri Danyleyko

Napier, located near the city of London, began as a small military settlement for a group of disbanded British military officers. By 1838, the settlers had already established a school, a church and – of course – a military academy.

Following the arrival of a second wave of settlers in the early 1850s, Colonel John Arthurs formed a partnership to establish a saw and grist mill. A store and post office quickly followed in 1851. Napier continued on an upward spiral for the next two decades.

At its height in the 1880s, Napier was home to a second saw and grist mill, woollen mill, pump, cheese and cheese box factories. Besides the usual blacksmith shops, shoemakers, carpenters and other trades, there were also three stores and two inns. Institutions included a school, Methodist and Presbyterian churches and a Masonic Lodge. The population peaked at around 230.

Napier, like many other thriving industrial centres, was a victim of the railway age. After the railways bypassed Napier, its industries were unable to compete and gracually shut down.

Today Napier remains home to a small number of rural residents. Many of the old buildings continue to stand and remain in use. Learn more

How to get there

Napier is located in Middlesex County and can be found on Napier Rd. between Sexton Rd. and Kernwood Rd. (County Rd. 6) and just north of Calvert Dr. (County Rd. 10).

View Ontario Ghost Town Map in a larger map

Nearby centre: Strathroy, 14 kilometres

Please note: these maps are generated by Google. We have no control over the contents. Incorrect street data and/or similar problems must be reported directly to Google

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