The Tecumseh Wigwam, built in 1820, was a low, one storey log cabin with steep roofs and a large verandah, standing on the north-west corner of the intersecting dirt roads of Bloor Street and Avenue Road. Likely named after the Shawnee Chief and British ally killed in the War of 1812, the inn was a favourite spot for young men and travellers looking for a place to drink, serving stage coaches heading north of the city.

The Tecumseh Wigwam

The popularity of the Tecumseh Wigwam was attributed to the inn’s non-adherence to the Lord’s Day Act, making the inn particularity popular on Sundays. In addition to this policy, the tavern was also located close to the toll gate, making it a popular stop for travelers after their long journey to York. The property was eventually demolished in the 1860’s.

Tecumseh Wigwam, Bloor St. W., n.w. cor. Avenue Road ca. 1870 – Toronto Public Library

The popularity the inn experienced stopped in the 1850’s under the ownership of an old man by the name of King. His son, George King, was a member of a notorious band of early Toronto robbers known as the Townsend Gang. A terror of early Toronto, the negative connotations extended to George King’s father, and the Tecumseh Wigwam. The Townsend Gang was attributed to many crimes in early Toronto, but it wasn’t until 1855 that George King was arrested with his partner Blowes and convicted of the murder of a stage driver. He was hung for the crime at Cayuga, but the reputation of the Tecumseh Wigwam did not recover.

Execution of Blowes and King of the Townsend Gang. The Globe (1844-1936); May 28, 1855; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Globe and Mail pg. 457