In 1784, the United Empire Loyalists and their Mohawk allies began to build and settle their respective communities, one of which was New Johnstown, today known as Cornwall, Ontario. Though the devastation of war during American Revolution left its mark, these early settlers had an eye to the future and toiled to make homes of once forests. Cornwall has grown into a city that has continued to be a welcoming community to those long settled and those newly so. In that tradition, we are pleased to be hosting an event which honours the past and while looking to the future of continuing to share this proud history and how it continues to shape us.

On Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Cornwall Community Museum, the very site where the Loyalists pulled lots to begin anew, a re-dedication ceremony of the 1934 Loyalist plaque that was once proudly displayed on the original Cornwall Post Office was held. The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) Historical Society and the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) collaborated to create the event so that the community might share in learning more about this part of our history. In addition, UE Loyalists Bridge Annex, the first virtual branch of UELAC, announced they will be hosting the UELAC Conference in Cornwall in 2021, that will further the sharing of this history and will support history-related tourism in the area.

The event featured a myriad of opportunities to learn more about the United Empire Loyalists of the region, including the Mohawk people who were critical allies of the British during the American Revolution. There were displays, museum tours, re-enactors, light refreshments and conversation.

About the UE Loyalist Plaque

In 1934 the plaque was first unveiled to commemorate the sacrifice and fortitude of the United Empire Loyalists who first settled this area. The re-dedication marked an opportunity to once again give thanks for their loyalty by way of this unveiling in the place where the plaque will now reside as part of the Cornwall Community Museum collection for all to see.

 

The text on the plaque reads:

United Empire Loyalists

Commemorating the unswerving fidelity and eminent services of the Royal Highland Emigrants, the King’s Royal Regiment of New York, the Loyal Rangers, and the King’s Rangers, in the defense of the city and province of Quebec, 1775-1783.

In later years they subdued the wilderness and laid the foundations of this province.

Photo Credits: Sue Moss UE; Wayne Groom UE; Jen Campbell UE