Telling Pelham’s Story, One Find at a Time.
Pelham’s story is one of perseverance, community, and transformation. From the arrival of its earliest settlers in the late 18th century to the thriving town we know today, generations of families have shaped its landscape, traditions, and character. Built on fertile farmland, strengthened by faith and hard work, and enriched by the villages that now form the Town of Pelham, its history is more than a collection of dates—it’s the story of the people whose lives and legacies continue to define our community.
Historical Communities
Pelham, located in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula, is a community of about 18,000 residents with roots dating back to the late 1700s and takes its name from Pelham Township, established in 1792. Formed in 1970 through the amalgamation of Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville, Effingham, and North Pelham, the town reflects the unique heritage of its historic communities. Known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, vineyards, orchards, and forests, Pelham is home to the Fonthill Kame, the highest point in Niagara, and the iconic Comfort Maple, one of Canada’s oldest sugar maples.