Exploration and Settlement (Early 19th Century)

In the early 19th century, a group of adventurous pioneers, led by the visionary Captain Tobias Harrington, embarked on a daring expedition into the untamed wilderness of the region. While charting the region, he stumbled upon a hidden gem—a pristine spring gushing crystal-clear water from the base of a serene mountain.

Amazed by the spring's pure waters and the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape, Captain Harrington established a campsite there in 1823 and used the site as a base of operations as his expedition charted the surrounding wilderness. He named the site "Camp Dwight" in honor of his first mate Curtis Dwight who had fallen ill and ended up passing during the expedition from a serious infection. The location was tough to reach on foot, at the time the easiest route required canoe's and several portages. After months of challenging travel through dense forests and across formidable terrain, pioneers began arriving at the remarkable site—a vast expanse of old-growth forests, teeming with towering pine trees and crisscrossed by crystal-clear streams. This was the place they would come to call Harrington Springs, in honor of their charismatic leader, Captain Harrington. The original Camp Dwight name becoming defunct, as the populace saw Captain Harrington as their local Leader and inspiration behind the settlement's vision and growth.

Early Years and the Lumber Industry

As the village began to take shape, a spirit of unity and resilience defined its early years. Settlers worked tirelessly, constructing homes and businesses, and forming strong bonds that would endure for generations. Family names such as O'Donnel, Thomson, Smith, and Davis were common.

The true wealth of Harrington Springs lay in its towering pine forests. In the mid-19th century, a local lumberjack named Caleb Whitman recognized the potential of the vast timber resources. Under his guidance, lumber operations were established, sawmills were constructed, and a new era of prosperity dawned upon Harrington Springs.

The lumber industry became the lifeblood of the village, fueling its economy and drawing skilled workers to harvest the towering pines. The village expanded rapidly, with new businesses, schools, and places of worship emerging to support the growing population which grew to roughly 800 by 1870.

The Railway Era (1871-1933)

In 1871, Harrington Springs entered a new era of prosperity as it became a bustling railway town. The construction of the railway brought increased trade and connectivity to the village. Harrington Springs served as the central Yard and Shop facilities for the Scajaquada Valley Northern railway. The railways also was vital in facilitating the movement of lumber to distant markets which further grew the local lumber industry.

The railway brought growth and prosperity to the village, with businesses flourishing and the population expanding. Harrington Springs became known for its bustling railway yards and the blue collar community that thrived around them. By 1920 the town had grown to a population of 3,187 which was it's peak for several years.

Canadian National Era (1933-1991)

The failure of the Scajaquada Valley Northern in 1933 had a profound impact on Harrington Springs.The once-bustling railway town had seen a decline in its prominence. Lacking a rail connection for several months while Canadian National repaired tracks that had been damaged by a harsh winter which Scajaquada Valley Northern couldn't afford to maintain, and without a road connection the local industries quickly began to fail. The village faced an economic downturn, with much of the population leaving town before a road could be built. By 1934, the Canadian National Railways has restored rail service to Harrington, and a gravel trail had been established linking the community to Valleybrook, and the rest of the North American road network. But by this time the population had already declined to less than 700 people.

Canadian National's Service in the region was bare minimum. The government has placed the responsibility to service the line on CN's shoulders, however the rail carrier only diverted limited resources to the line. The yard in Harrington was serviced by two trains a week. By 1970, the yard in Harrington only has a single RS-3 locomotive and a handful of GP-9's to service the many industries along the former SVNO line.

In 1991 Douglas Hartford, a visionary entrepreneur, undertook the ambitious task of rebuilding the railway. His dedication and investment breathed new life into Harrington Springs. The railway was revitalized, and the village once again became a central yard for the Scajaquada Valley Northern railway. The lumber mill began full operations again under the new management of Weyerhaeuser, with a newly re-established rail link fueling that progress.

Harrington Springs Today

Today, Harrington Springs stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of its early settlers, the natural beauty that captivated them, and the enduring legacy of the lumber and railway industries. The village welcomes visitors to explore its rich history, nearby national parks, local craft shops, and the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired generations. As of the 2021 Census, the town's population was 4,934 with the railway and lumber mill being the two main employeers aside from the community services. Harrington Springs serves as a vital railway town once more, connecting communities and industries through the Scajaquada Valley Northern railway, and honoring its rich heritage while embracing a prosperous future.