Here are four historical facts about Toronto, Canada:

1. Founding of York: Toronto was originally founded as the town of York by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe in 1793. It was established as the capital of Upper Canada (now Ontario) and was strategically located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario to protect against potential American invasions.
2. Burning of York: During the War of 1812, York was captured and burned by American forces in 1813. This event was a significant episode in the war between the United States and Britain. After the war, York was rebuilt and eventually incorporated as the city of Toronto in 1834.
3. Underground Railroad: Toronto played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many escaped slaves found refuge in Toronto, which was considered one of the final stops on the journey to freedom.
4. Confederation and Growth: In 1867, Toronto became the capital of the Province of Ontario when Canada confederated into a single dominion, creating the Canadian Confederation. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Toronto experienced significant growth, becoming the economic and cultural center of Canada. This period saw the construction of many iconic buildings and landmarks, including the Royal Ontario Museum, Old City Hall, and Casa Loma.

These historical events have shaped Toronto into the vibrant and diverse city it is today.