Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario, has a rich and diverse history. The region where Toronto is located has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The territory was originally home to the Indigenous nations Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee.The name "Toronto" is derived from an Indigenous word, possibly from the Iroquois word "tkaronto", meaning "a place where trees stand in the water," referring to Lake Simcoe.The first Europeans to explore the area were the French in the 17th century. In 1750, the French established a fortified post called Fort Rouillé near present-day Toronto, but it was abandoned about a decade later.In 1793, the then governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, founded the town of York on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. York was chosen as the capital of the new province of Upper Canada (now Ontario) for its strategic location. In 1834, the town was renamed Toronto and granted city status.Toronto underwent rapid growth during the 19th century and became an important commercial and industrial center. The construction of infrastructure such as railroads and the port facilitated this growth. The city also attracted a large number of immigrants, primarily from Britain and Ireland, and later from various other parts of the world.In the 20th century, especially after World War II, Toronto continued to grow and diversify. The city absorbed several neighboring municipalities, leading to significant growth in population and area.Today, Toronto is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, with over half of its residents born outside of Canada. It is a vibrant metropolis with a strong and diverse economy. The city is considered one of the world's major financial centers and is home to several renowned cultural, educational, and sports institutions.Notable landmarks in Toronto include the CN Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world, and iconic neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Little Italy, and The Distillery District. The city also hosts major international events like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).Toronto has played a crucial role in the history and development of Canada, and it continues to be a beacon of multiculturalism and innovation.
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