Take a step back in time to 240 years ago when the Loyalists settlers landed here in Cornwall on June 6, 1784. When you visit this month’s 1784 celebration on June 7-9th, you will get a glimpse into the lives of these hardy refugees who made their homes here at New Johnstown and began the City of Cornwall and SDG Counties.
Imagine the sight these refugees saw when they arrived on the shores of the St. Lawrence River near what is now Lamoureux Park. A dense forest surrounded the bay where they landed their boats and they wondered how they would ever survive with their meager possessions and a tent and an ax. On June 8 and 9th, the town of New Johnstown will magically reappear and visitors can see how Cornwall’s founders lived and survived. Small tents will house the settlers as they go about their daily life as it would have been in 1784. Tour their town and talk with the residents to learn more about their struggles. Learn how they how they found food, built their homes and set up businesses, and listen to their stories of what they gave up to come to Canada.
On Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 12:30pm, the event’s Official Ceremonies will take place followed by the much-anticipated re-enactment of the Landing of the Loyalists and then the most important ceremony when the settlers will draw a slip of paper from an officer’s hat and find which plot of land they had selected. This lottery set the history of Cornwall and SDG as many of these people who drew their land lot that day went on to become major influences in how our area and the province grew. In several cases, families still live on the land that was selected that day in 1784.
There is much more to see at the 1784 Celebration which runs from Friday, June 7- Sunday, June 9th. Visit the Heritage Village tent showcasing the area’s rich history all three days with exhibits, demonstrations and presentations. Enjoy the Friday and Saturday night concerts at 7 pm in the bandshell. Don’t miss the Sunday afternoon military re-enactment at 1pm. Admission is free to all. The event goes on rain or shine.
See our website at 1784.ca for full details.
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