Vanderlee Legal Services

Over the years, the name of the community changed several times and was, in the early 1800's, known as 'Shipman's Corners'. Paul Shipman's tavern was an important stagecoach transfer point as well as the hub of the community's social life. 'The Twelve' was another name used, referring to the Twelve Mile Creek. However, the name St. Catharines, in one form or another, had preceded all other names. Although its origin is not clear, it is thought to be named after Catharine Askin Robertson Hamilton, wife of the Hon. Robert Hamilton, a prominent businessman.