1837, William Taylor and James Smith erected a saw, grist and wool mill on the banks of the Syndenham River near Dresden. Early residents at Dawn Mills who had to transport their produce by canoe to Detroit welcomed the new establishments with open arms. An early road was built here near the Sydenham River which connected the once sleepy mill settlements. 

The town grew to six streets, three hotels, church and a store. The population was around 100.

In the 1860s the rail road pulled into southern Ontario. Stations were built, and tracks were laid at the bigger (and also purpose-established) towns. Like many others in the region, Dawn Mills had her industries stolen and out-paced by the big businesses elsewhere. Soon, Dawn Mills became a good example of the modern southern Ontario Ghost Town. The post office closed in 1918.

Externals Links

• Dawn Mills (http://www.ontarioghosttowns.com/dawnmills/dawn2.html)