Sir John A. Macdonald 1815-1891

Photo by Chris Porter - December 30, 2005

Plaque Location

Scotland
The City of Glasgow
At Ramshorn Theatre, University of Strathclyde

Plaque Text

Canada's first prime minister, born in Ramshorn Parish, emigrated with his family to Kingston, Upper Canada, in 1820. A successful lawyer, he was elected to the provincial legislature in 1844 and became leader of the Conservative party. He played a leading role in the effort to achieve a federal union of Britain's North American colonies which resulted in the formation of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. Macdonald served as prime minister, 1867-73 and 1878-91, and under his administration large territories were added to Canada, a transcontinental railway built and settlement of the west encouraged.At his death Canada's autonomy, based on rapid economic development and a close British-Canadian relationship, was assured.