Bothwell is a friendly and beautiful rural community with a population of 1,000 that is situated in the heart of Southwestern Ontario within the new Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Images of small town Ontario at the turn of the century can be seen in this rural community, once an oil boomtown.  Upon the discovery of oil here in the 1860's, population swelled to 10,000, making Bothwell one of the largest communities south of Toronto. George Brown, a father of Confederation, founded Bothwell and his home still stands.

Remnants of the oil boom can be seen at the Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum where an 1896 powerhouse still operates.  Standing on the site of an old oil field, the museum offers a unique glimpse of how oil was pumped at this last original powerhouse in North America.

Nearby, Fairfield Museum and National Historic Site is located on the site of the old Fairfield Village, the first settlement of southwestern Ontario.  The village was destroyed days after the Battle of the Thames during which Shawnee leader Chief Tecumseh was killed. Housed in a colonial-log cabin, the museum displays village artifacts and historic information about the War of 1812.

Visitors can learn about the sacrifices of local men through stories and photos at The Soldiers Wall of Fame tribute in former town hall building in Bothwell.

For Travel Information please visit our Visitor Information Centre at RM Classic Cars. This centre is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is located at Horton Line, off Communication Rd just past the 401. Call 519-352-9024 or 1-877-523-2684.

To learn about Bothwell, please contact Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services at 1.866.542.5994/519.351.7700 or by email at CKeds@chatham-kent.ca