The Baldoon Settlement 1804-1818

Photo by Alan L Brown - August 30, 2004

Plaque Location

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent
In a park on the west side of County Road 33 across from Langstaff Line

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.