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The Lanark Settlement 1820


Location
The County of Lanark - Lanark Highlands
In Lanark, on the grounds of the town hall on George Street


Photographer
Alan L Brown

More Information
Posted
June 25, 2004

Text from the Plaque
In August, 1820, a government depot was completed on the site of this community to serve as the centre of a military settlement in the newly surveyed townships of Lanark and Ramsay, North Sherbrooke and Dalhousie. by the spring of 1821 some 1,500 settlers, the majority of whom were unemployed Scottish weavers, discharged soldiers, and their families, were established in this area. Placed under the jurisdiction of the quartermaster-general's department, they received land, tools, farm implements and seed from the superintendent, Capt. William Marshall. In July and August 1821, another group of over 1,800 Scottish emigrants arrived. Although some of the land proved unsuitable for agriculture, these pioneers laid the foundation for successful settlement in this region.

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