The SD&G Historical Society presents
240th Anniversary of New Johnstown & the Royal Townships
June 7 - 9, 2024
Lamoureux Park,
Cornwall, Ontario
1784 - the 240th Anniversary of the Founding of New Johnstown & the Royal Townships
On June 7-9, 2024, join us as we celebrate the 240th anniversary of New Johnstown (Cornwall) and the Royal Townships today comprised of the Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, as well as the Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
The celebration blends the past and present with a re-creation of this first 1784 community along with displays and presentations by present‐day heritage organizations - immersing visitors in all that our region has to offer.
The Event
After the American War of Independence, refugees from the war who desired to remain loyal to the British Crown left their homes and most of their possessions and fled north to Canada. These LOYALISTS eventually landed on the shores of the St Lawrence River at what became New Johnstown (now Cornwall). From there, they settled along the river from Lancaster to Brockville in what was known as the Royal Townships.
The resettlement of these Loyalists was crucial to the eventual founding of Ontario and had a major impact on the government and laws of Canada. Millions of Canadians can trace their roots to one of these Loyalist ancestors.
Join us as we celebrate this milestone in our history!
Get to the event
Join us where the past meets the present with living history groups and heritage organizations that will immerse visitors in all that our region has to offer.
Lamoureux Park, Cornwall, Ontario
June 7, 8 & 9, 2024
Celebrate the 240th anniversary of Cornwall and the Royal Townships.
"It is, I think, the roughest land I ever saw... But this is to be the city, they say... We are all ordered to land tomorrow and not a shelter to go under."
From the Diary of Sarah Frost A Loyalist from New York contemplating the land that they were about to settle.