O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area is a local treasure. It is an opportunity to relive the day to day hardships and rewards of early pioneer life in Ontario. James O’Hara,Sr., along with wife Mary (Healy) and four-year-old Elizabeth, arrived in Madoc Township in the summer of 1823. Once the family settled, they planted strong, sustainable roots and never moved again. Considered one of the founding families of the Madoc community, the O’Hara buildings, properties and stories were passed through the years from children to grandchildren over a span of four generations.
In May of 1850, James O’Hara Sr. and his son James O’Hara Jr. entered into a sawmill partnership.This was the beginning of the O’Hara Mill, which continued to cut and sell lumber up until 1908, and today is operated and maintained by volunteers. In 1954, the Moira River Conservation Authority (now Quinte Conservation) purchased the mill and adjoining land. A park was developed and enlarged in 1965. To this day, five of the original buildings; the farmhouse, sawmill, carriage-house, shed and woodworking shop remain in a restored condition.
The site was designated of historical or architectural significance under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in May 1984. Link:https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/oha/details?id=5989
The Homestead has expanded with the addition of relocated buildings from the surrounding area. A log cabin now houses a blacksmith’s shop. An original log schoolhouse dating back to 1861 was relocated to the site. The latest additions to the homestead are a rebuilt log house circa 1850 erected on the site of the original homestead, and a Visitors Centre.
Across the site’s 85 acres, there are seven trails, both short and long, running through mature forests, across babbling creeks, around marshes and past old stone fences.
