The Glengarry Emigration of 1786

Photo by Alan L Brown - June 29, 2005

Plaque Location

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
The Township of South Glengarry
In St. Raphaels at the ruins of the church on the north side of County Road 18

Plaque Text

Early in September, 1786, a group of some 500 Scottish Highlanders, the majority of whom were Macdonells, arrived at Quebec. They were led by their parish priest from Knoydart, Glengarry, the Reverend Alexander MacDonell (Scotus). Forced to emigrate because of the depressed economic conditions of the Highlands, they had been encouraged to come to Canada and settle among their fellow countrymen in what is now Glengarry County. Despite initial hardships most of these Scottish pioneers settled successfully in this region, where their loyalty and military prowess were frequently demonstrated. Father MacDonell founded the parish of St. Rapael, one of the province's earliest Roman Catholic congregations.