Discover Ontario's history as told through its plaques
2004 - Now in our 15th Year - 2019
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The Baldoon Settlement 1804-1818
Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2004
Photo from Google Street View ©2011 Google - Posted January, 2011
Plaque Location
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent
In a park on the west side of the St. Clair Parkway (Road 33)
across from Langstaff Line
Coordinates: N 42 37.122 W 82 28.691 |
 |
Plaque Text
On September 5, 1804, fifteen families of Scottish emigrants numbering some ninety persons landed near this site. Named after an estate in Scotland, the settlement was sponsored by Lord Selkirk who later founded the Red River Colony. The low-lying and frequently-flooded lands were difficult to work, malaria killed many settlers and the superintendent, Alexander McDonell, proved incapable. In July, 1812, the colony was invaded by American militia who carried off its livestock. The remaining settlers ultimately moved back to higher land and in 1818 Selkirk sold his property.
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Settlements
Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
> Posted January 26, 2019
My great great grandmother Catherine McDonald Johnston b Nov 1817 in Walaceburg I believe, is a daughter of one of the original settlers. I am not 100% sure which of the McDonald's she was descended from. She married a James Herbert Johnston and they settled in nearby Croton. Any information as to who her parents would be would be appreciated.
Michael Kenney
> Posted February 17, 2009
My name is Paul McKenzie and the McKenzie's that I am related to settled in the Baldoon Settlement area. My great-great grandfather, Murdoch McKenzie came to that area in 1843 with his wife and children. Prior to that a John McKenzie and his wife and children were one of the 15 Scottish families mentioned on the plaque. I have been trying to find the relationship between these two families of McKenzies but so far I have had no luck. If anyone has any information regarding this settlement I would be interested in hearing from you.
> Posted August 24, 2008
Baldoon- a little known piece of our history that was founded by one of the more well known explorers( Selkirk). The choice of the site was ill planned and the Scottish pioneers must have known this. When Selkirk moved out west, it was a good thing for the future Ontario. Yes Laddee!
> Posted July 9, 2008
on 17 sept 1818 lord selkirk sold baldoon farm to john mcnab, a hbc trader. did john mcnab live on the farm? did john mcnab stay in the area after he sold the farm ? thanks,george bruce in scarborough
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