Ezekiel Lewis, Waterloo’s first resident, established himself in 1793. The lake discharge channel, which didn’t have an official name, was the ideal spot to build a rudimentary dam and sawmill. This is how Waterloo was born, on the corner of Allen and Foster. In the years to come, many other industries and businesses would establish themselves at the same spot or close by – steam-powered mills, a foundry, repair shop, general store, hotel and other businesses made this street corner the birthplace of Waterloo.