Bowmanville was first developed in the 1850s by saloon owner, Jesse Bowman. He laid out 5 acre lots and filed claim to the Jesse B Bowman subdivision. Not one to follow the rules, “he then sold the land -- that wasn't his -- to unwitting buyers," and disappeared before the new "owners" discovered that he did not actually own the land he had sold. Bowmanville and Bowmanville Avenue live on as his namesake.

Bowmanville then became a farming community centered around the massive Budlong Farm, known for being the “world’s largest pickle farm” for about 40 years.

Today, with its streets lined with single family homes and multi-unit buildings, well-manicured lawns, small businesses, community gardens and green space, Bowmanville is sandwiched between Lincoln Square and Andersonville.