The hamlet of Hanlan developed around the intersection of Britannia and Tomken roads. Beginning around 1830 the growing community added a blacksmith shop, a carpenter shop, a tinsmith, shoemaker, general store, post office, church and school. In the 1870s the community was formally named in honour of famed Canadian oarsman Edward (Ned) Hanlan. Hanlan is remembered today by the modern Hanlan Pumping Station and by the historic Trinity Methodist Cemetery located at the corner of Britannia and Dixie roads.