Eagleson Road: A Legacy of a Pioneer
Eagleson Road, a prominent thoroughfare in Ottawa's west end, pays tribute to William Eagleson, a pioneering farmer who arrived in Canada from Ballymena, Ireland, in 1852. He established his roots in Goulbourn Township the following year, on land that now houses Hazeldean Mall. His seventh son, Albert, eventually took over the family farm.
The intersection of Hazeldean and Eagleson Roads, historically known as Eaglesons Corners, was once the heart of William's community. Here, he operated a hotel, a general store, and served as the local postmaster.
In a curious twist of fate, the Eagleson family found themselves defending their ancestor's name in 1998. A misguided attempt to rename the road after the disgraced hockey executive, Alan Eagleson, sparked a resolute response from William's descendants, ensuring their family's legacy remained intact.