Founded by Major Thomas Ingersoll, an immigrant to Upper Canada (Ontario)
from Massachusetts following the American Revolution, the Town of Ingersoll has evolved from an
agricultural community to one of industry and commerce. While it was the industrious efforts of
Thomas that helped to shape our community's future, it was the efforts of his daughter, Laura
Ingersoll Secord that helped to shape the future of Canada.
From the mid 1800's through to the early 1900's, Oxford County and in particular Ingersoll became known as the cheese capital of Ontario. In fact, it was near Ingersoll in 1840, that the first Cheese Factory was built in Canada. So great was our dairy industry that a 3,300 kilogram, 6.5 metre in diameter giant wheel of cheese was created here and shipped to England to promote Oxford County's quality cheddar.
Never content to remain only as an agricultural community, Ingersoll has over the years grown to be recognized as a leading industrial community. While only a community of 11,000 people, Ingersoll is home to CAMI Automotive and over 250 other businesses that employ in excess of 7,200 people, many who commute to Ingersoll from surrounding communities.
From the mid 1800's through to the early 1900's, Oxford County and in particular Ingersoll became known as the cheese capital of Ontario. In fact, it was near Ingersoll in 1840, that the first Cheese Factory was built in Canada. So great was our dairy industry that a 3,300 kilogram, 6.5 metre in diameter giant wheel of cheese was created here and shipped to England to promote Oxford County's quality cheddar.
Never content to remain only as an agricultural community, Ingersoll has over the years grown to be recognized as a leading industrial community. While only a community of 11,000 people, Ingersoll is home to CAMI Automotive and over 250 other businesses that employ in excess of 7,200 people, many who commute to Ingersoll from surrounding communities.
