Settled in Oxford County by Thomas Ingersoll in 1793, the settlement, named Oxford-on-the-Thames, was renamed Ingersoll by his son Charles in honour of father Thomas. The famous Laura Secord Ingersoll, immortalized in Canadian history for warning the British of the impending American attack during the war of 1812, was Thomas Ingersoll's eldest daughter.

English and Scottish immigrants introduced cheese making to the area during the 1800s and Oxford County achieved worldwide renown for its cheeses. Be sure to visit the Ingersoll Cheese Factory, Museum and Sports Hall of Fame located on Hwy 19 just 1.5km (0.9 mi.) north of Hwy 401. A little historical tidbit notes that in 1866, the world's biggest cheese, weighing 7,300 lbs, measuring 7 ft wide and 3 ft high, was manufactured at the former James Harris cheese Factory.

Ingersoll accommodations include a major chain hotel and a charming country inn offering relaxing spa facilities.