Ottawa was initially a rough place to live in. The only inhabitants were the fur traders and lumberjacks. It was only after the arrival of the British that Ottawa began to develop and prosper. After the influence of French regime ended in 1759, Ottawa came under the rule of the British. It became a part of the British Empire on 1st January, 1855.
The Ottawa River has a major role to play in shaping the history of Ottawa. The waters of the River helped in the development of industry in Ottawa. The late 19th century saw the growth of lumbering industry in Ottawa. Several sawmills came up along the Chaudiere and Rideau Falls. J.R Booth was one of the most influential sawmill owners who provided employment opportunity in the region. As a result more and more people came to settle down in Ottawa.
On 31st December, 1857, Ottawa was made the capital of Canada by the proclamation of Queen Victoria. From its initial days as a lumbering unit to becoming the capital of the country, Ottawa has come a long way in establishing its importance in the history of Canada.
