Dresden is a small town of 2,401 residents, located north-central Chatham-Kent. It has a rich heritage closely tied to the Underground Railroad and is home to the famous Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.
Dresden is home to a quaint downtown with a selection of shops and restaurants like the new Union Block Bakery, and a variety of housing options including the recently finished Leisure Lane by Depencier Builders. Integrated with new developments and new businesses is Dresden's long history and rich heritage, reflected in the architecture of many downtown businesses and neighbourhood homes. Local stories are also told through beautiful barn quilts through town and at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, the former home of noted abolitionist Rev. Josiah Henson and now a museum that tells the history of the region's Black population. Nearby, the Trillium Trail includes a historical walk with 20 plaques and eight interpretive signs, celebrating the history of Dresden and ties to the Underground Railroad.
Although a small community, the town does not lack for entertainment and recreational activities, like canoe and kayak rentals from the Crappie Store, and the Dresden Night Market which brings in thousands of visitors for two annual events. The Dresden Agricultural Society sponsors a number of events as well, from tractor pulls to demolition derbies, culminating with the Dresden Exhibition held every July. The Dresden Raceway hosts a number of harness races throughout the summer. Dresden is also home to several athletic fields, a skateboard park, and the new Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre and Arena.
Dresden is also home to many services for daily living including a grocery store, drug store, post office, dentist, doctors, optometrists, a gym, a municipal centre, public library, and more. Many local children and teens attend public primary (Dresden Area Central School) and secondary schools (Lambton Kent Composite School), and connect after school at the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre. Enjoy the benefits of small town living with convenient access to the amenities you and your family are looking for.
Dresden is surrounded by rich farm lands that support a rich agricultural sector, including small family businesses such as J&E Meats (in nearby Croton), and larger industrial businesses. ConAgra Foods (producer for Del Monte Canada) is a major commercial food producer in the region, processing locally grown tomatoes for Aylmer ketchup. Several manufacturing industries are also located in Dresden: Martinrea Fabco is a tier one automotive supplier, while Waste Wood Disposal produces automated equipment and mulch.
