OUR HISTORY
The history of Casselman begins with Martin Casselman, a descendant of
Loyalists, who in 1832 decided to establish a village near the Petite-
Nation River to exploit abundant forest resources. His initiative
transformed the region, later reinforced by the arrival of the railway in
1882. This event marked a major turning point by connecting Casselman
to the rest of the country, symbolizing progress and economic
development.
However, Casselman also faced significant trials. In 1891, a fire destroyed
part of the village and the local sawmill, forcing some residents to leave.
Yet this tragedy also transformed the land into fertile prairies, attracting
new settlers. The worst disaster occurred in 1897, when a fire completely
devastated the region, leaving the village in ruins and its inhabitants
homeless. In 1919, another major fire threatened the parish, destroying
numerous buildings along the main street, although the church, bank, and
general store were spared thanks to the effective intervention of Ottawa
firefighters, who arrived by train.
For more details on Casselman's fascinating history, a detailed chronicle
is available on the city's website, under the "Living in Casselman" section.
TODAY
Casselman remains a vibrant community at the heart of the United
Counties of Prescott Russell. Its growing population, numerous schools,
and diverse economy are noteworthy. Many specialized trades businesses
are established here. Our location is ideal: Highway 417, passenger rail
service, and proximity to Ottawa and Montreal, as well as the U.S. border.
The presence of the multinational Ford Motor Company in our economic
landscape supports the municipality's growth. Proud of its Francophone
heritage and open to diversity, nearly 75% of its population is bilingual and
active in the professional sphere. The future is in our hands.
F R I E N D L Y A D V I C E
A resident of Casselman is called a
Casselmanian