From yarn ball to basketball: the tale of Almonte's history

Small towns often have big stories. That’s what makes them interesting. Almonte is no different, spinning a tale of a humble milltown being transformed into a prosperous place to live. It’s a story about the textile industry, the inventor of basketball and a Mexican general.

It’s written all over town. Along the charming downtown streets and in the stores selling antiques. In the parks and museums around town and with historic mills along the Mississippi River. It’s history and modernity woven together. And it can be the backdrop for your future, with Weavers Way, Almonte.

Powered by the river, made by the mill

In the industrial heyday of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Almonte was nicknamed "The Manchester of North America." Because the textile industry thrived there, and the town’s position along the Mississippi River appealed to business-savvy settlers and the hard-working middle class. At the time, mills meant opportunity. And opportunity, along with the expansion of Canada’s rail system, meant growth and security.

Almonte was home to seven active woollen mills by the early 1900s—the textile industry was part of its culture and economy.

Eventually, the mills began to close. When Rosamond Mill No. 1 shut its doors in the early 1980s, large-scale textile production ended in Almonte. But not all was lost; the craft and artistry remained and the community continued to flourish. Plus, the mills were preserved and repurposed—Rosamond Mill No. 1 now serves as a condominium with views of the river.

Today, Almonte has a new nickname. Two, actually. Some call it the “Friendly Town” because of its warm, welcoming personality and cheerful character. Others call it “Mini Hollywood North” because its charming downtown is featured in more than a dozen Hallmark holiday movies. Whatever you call it, Almonte is a desirable home because of its history and its future.

Local legends and the legacy of a name

Not only are small towns home to big stories, they’re also home to people who have a big impact. Dr James Naismith and Robert Tait Mackenzie are two such people.

Dr James Naismith was born and raised in Almonte before moving to the United States, where he invented basketball. His legacy is a source of local pride and continues to inspire the community’s engagement with sports and physical education.

Robert Tait Mackenzie was a medical pioneer and sculptor. His innovations in surgery and preventive and rehabilitative medicine influenced the medical community at large. His commitment to art, health and wellness mirrors the values held in Almonte.

Of course, one could argue the person with the biggest impact on Almonte was the Mexican general Juan Almonte. The town bears his name, after all.

Almonte was first called Shepard’s Falls and saw multiple name changes leading up to 1856. A local mill owner suggested Almonte, inspired by the general’s display of resilience, integrity and diplomacy as the Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. These traits resonated with the town and Almonte himself inspired a lot of Canadians. The name stuck.

There’s more to the story

Almonte is proud of its past and takes care to preserve its history. From the monuments and mills to the landmarks and landscape, there are lots of ways residents and visitors can engage with the tale of Almonte.

• Mississippi Valley Textile Museum: dive into how Almonte became a pivotal player in the textile trade
• Mill of Kintail Museum: celebrate the lives and contributions of Dr James Naismith and Robert Tait McKenzie in a historic mill-turned-museum
• Metcalfe Geoheritage Park: explore 1- to 2.5-billion years of geological history in this quiet riverside park
• Almonte Riverwalk: stroll along the river for sights of Mississippi Iron Works, Thoburn Mill and the Victoria Woollen Mill—find facts about each landmark along the way.

Not to mention, a walk through downtown Almonte is like a self-guided heritage tour. The town’s character is on full display, with all the old buildings and vintage shops, art galleries and craft studios.

Stitch your history at home in Weavers Way

When you think of Almonte, think of a town that’s proudly historic and proudly hip. Where it’s quiet and charming yet vibrant and full of modern conveniences. Where it’s a bit crafty, a bit quirky and a whole lot of friendly. Think of a place that’s safe and warm and complete with character.

That’s the kind of home to start your future in—to stitch your own history in. And you have that opportunity in Minto’s newest community, Weavers Way, Almonte. Discover attainable living 20 minutes from Kanata, with new Bungalows, Single Family Homes, and Townhomes. Stay informed. Sign up for community updates, lot release information, and special offers.

Register Today

View All Articles