Forest literally owes its name to the vast dense forests that once surrounded it. In 1858 Timothy Ressegui laid out the first village lots, with the first post office being built and the completion of the Grand Trunk line from Guelph to Sarnia in 1859. Originally the area was known for it’s fruit growing industry and once supported a canning factory. In recent years the town has depended more on the tourism industry then farming, although many smaller industries are setting up in the area due to its close proximity to London and Sarnia.