In 1792 Govenor Simcoe discovered oil in Chatham-Kent. When John Lick hit a well in Bothwell in the 1850's, wildcatters would come from all over to capitlize on the considerable amount of oil. This started the boom of Bothwell. The town was contructed very quickly and often flimsy, but it was necessary as within 2 years Bothwell became the largesttown center outside of Toronto.