New interpretive panel celebrates the legacy of James McCabe and Gravenhurst’s early history

The Town of Gravenhurst continues to showcase its rich heritage with the installation of a new interpretive panel.  

“This is the latest in an ongoing series designed to educate and inform residents and visitors about the people, families, places, and events that shaped the community,” said Angela Ghikadis, senior planner with the Town and a staff liaison on the Municipal Heritage Committee. 

This double-sided panel pays tribute to the contributions of James "Mickey" McCabe and his wife, Letitia. It also includes details about the first church in Gravenhurst, which was built on land donated by the McCabe family. 

“Thanks to the efforts of the Municipal Heritage Committee in collaboration with Gravenhurst Archives and Town staff, these panels provide a glimpse into the past and highlight interesting facts that residents and visitors may not otherwise by aware of,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said.   

Did you know that Gravenhurst was originally known as “McCabe’s Landing”? In addition to establishing the area’s first inn, McCabe also constructed a dock on Lake Muskoka which he called McCabe’s Landing. From this location he used a sailboat to transport passengers and goods up the lake.  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the new panel in the Town parkette located at 755 Muskoka Road South to learn more about this interesting piece of Gravenhurst's history. 

To see a list of heritage plaques and interpretive panels in Gravenhurst, visit the history and heritage page on the Town’s website and stay tuned for an announcement about the next project in the interpretative panel series focusing on the history of the Muskoka Wharf!   

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For more information, contact:  

Mike Gennings
Manager of Communications and Engagement
mike.gennings@gravenhurst.ca
705-687-3412, ext. 2239