Brampton celebrated its 150th birthday in 2003.

It is believed the name Brampton was derived from the word Brambles, a thorny tree bush native to England. It was the name given to the Brampton Parish in England in 1606.

Brampton’s founding fathers – John Elliott and William Lawson – emigrated from Brampton, Cumbria, England between 1829 and 1831 and brought the name of their home with them.

You wouldn't know it to look at it now, but today's booming city started with humble beginnings as a largely agricultural burg informally known as Buffy's Corners, population 18.

Our forefathers were among the tough pioneers who settled this part of the country, and they had to overcome many of the same hardships and obstacles. With no roads, no electricity and no running water, they started from scratch in the dense hardwood forests that once covered this area.

In 1848 George Wright registered the very first plan of subdivision, so by 1867 – 150 years ago – Brampton was already taking shape with houses, industry, stores and services.

In 1853 the Village of Brampton, with a population of at least 1,000, was incorporated and the first council meeting was held on Jan. 17. John Lynch was the first reeve.

The village grew quickly, especially with the opening of the railway in 1856. The village had schools, a library, and a fire brigade.

It was in 1863 that Brampton’s reputation as The Flower Town of Canada began to germinate. Edward Dale started what would become among the largest greenhouse flower producers in the world. Part of its international success came from the new varieties of roses and orchids grown, and the famous ‘autographed rose’ technique.

Brampton was incorporated as a town in 1873.