[3] The stream is named after Richard Carruthers (1819-1887), an English immigrant from Cumberland, whose family owned 202 acres along the banks of the Creek.

[4] The Carruthers Creek watershed includes 32 archaeological sites, 24 of which are identified with indigenous peoples, 7 with European settlers, and 1 of uncertain origin.

[5] The five Archaic period sites, dated 7000-1000 BCE, are all located inland, and are marked by discovery of chert (flint) tools and flakes.

It was common for indigenous groups to engage in seasonal activities such as fishing at the mouth of various streams and rivers on the Lake Ontario shore.

The Iroquois Seneca people established river-side villages in nearby areas, such as Ganatsekwyagon on Rouge and Teiaiagon on Humber.

[8] The earliest permanent settlers in the area included the family of James Powell, who migrated from New Brunswick to Pickering Township in 1808.

[11] Throughout the 19th century, several persons of European origin (not necessary settlers) leased, purchased, and re-sold land in the Carruthers Creek area.

The flood-prone area is Ajax's Lakeside neighbourhood, where the stream passes on its way to the Carruthers Creek Marsh, before meeting Lake Ontario.

[1][2] It then flows south and enters Ajax, passing through the Deer Creek Golf Course,[21] and finally meeting Lake Ontario at Richardson Point.