History of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

Cornwall History
Cornwall, city, seat (1792) of the united counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, southeastern Ontario, Canada. The city lies on the north bank of the St. Lawrence River at the eastern terminus of the Cornwall Canal. Founded as New Johnstown by loyalists in 1784, it was renamed in 1797 for the duke of Cornwall, George III’s eldest son. With the completion of the canal in 1843, bypassing the Long Sault Rapids (since eliminated by the creation of Lake St. Lawrence), shipping grew and the town flourished, becoming a major port and the centre of a rich dairying and mixed-farming area. Cornwall’s manufactures include paper, textiles (rayon), chemicals, furniture, and lacrosse sticks. The Seaway International Bridge (connecting it with Rooseveltown, New York) and the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway serve the city. Cornwall, which is about 55 miles (90 km) southeast of Ottawa, is the headquarters of the St. Lawrence Seaway (Canadian) Authority and is the site of a large power plant, Cornwall... Read MORE...

1873 - Cornwall
CORNWALL, the chief town of the United Counties of Stormont and Glengarry, Ont., situated at the mouth of the Cornwall canal, on the River St. Lawrence,witha station on the G. T. R., 67 miles S.W. of Montreal, and 105 miles from Kingston. Itis a port of entry. The Cornwall canal gives. it excellent water privileges. Several large mills and factories are erected on its banks, among them one of the finest woollen factories in the Dominion, and a cottonfactory. The town contains a number of stores, several churches and hotels, an agency of the Bank of Montreal, 2 telegraph offices, and 2 printing offices from which weekly newspapers areissued. Total value of imports for 1872 $57,329; exports 555,400. Pop. 2033.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1888 - Two hundred feet of canal bank gave way this morning opposite Moulinette.
CORNWALL, Oct. 12 - The water for six or seven miles on each side rushed out in torrents. The break is very serious and it will take three weeks to repair it, thus practically closing navigation inland for that time. The continued wet weather is ascribed as the cause. It is also stated that an old existing leak which has been neglected by the government has gradually increased in size. Assistance has been asked from Ottawa to repair the break.
The Brandon Mail
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
October 18, 1888

1910 - TEN PERISH IN HOTEL FIRE. $250,000 Property Loss In Cornwall, Ont., Thought Due to Careless Smoker.
CORNWALL, Ontario, April 29. - Ten lives and a property loss of $250,000 was the toll paid in a fire which destroyed the Rossmore Hotel and damaged several adjoining buildings here early to-day.

The dead are C. J. Gray, manager of the Ives Modern Bed Company, his wife, and two children; Benjamin Fielding, accountant of the Sterling Bank; Charles Gagne, teller of the Bank of Montreal, Levis, Quebec; Mrs. W. Taylor Archibald and Miss White of Cornwall, guests; William Hulme, a porter, and Ernest Bullen, bellboy.

The origin of the fire is not definitely known, but as it started on the main hotel stairway it is believed a careless smoker dropped a lighted match or cigar on his way upstairs. Sixty guests were asleep on the three upper stories of the hotel and a number of employes[sic] were on the top floor. By the time they were aroused the staircase between the first and second floors was an impassable barrier of fire and the flames were mounting the stairways to the upper... Read MORE...

1933 - Million Dollar Damage Caused By Fire Which Swept Cornwall
One-Sixth of Entire Business Section of Ontario Town is Today a Mass of Ruins - Flames which Originated in Rubbish Pile Destroyed Thirty-One Business Places, Eight Homes and at Least Fifteen Apartments.

Cornwall, Ont. - "Cornwall will come back again" exclaimed Mayor Aaron Harovitz as he stood back with hundreds of people today, viewing the charred and twisted remains of a solid block of fire-razed building places and apartment houses. One-sixth of the city's business section was destroyed by a fire that broke out mid-day Monday without loss of life, but which a damage close to $100,000. Today Cornwall started on the "come back" trail.

Three firemen, Chief George Hunter, deputy Chief Gory Moore and Arthur Conliffe were overcome by the dense smoke that billowed up from the thirty-one business places, eight homes and at least fifteen apartments that were burned. Each man returned to his post after first aid treatment. Three other people were injured.

According to police and... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Cornwall, Ontario:
Upper Canada Village:
Step back in time and explore this living history museum. It recreates life in a 19th-century Canadian village with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities.

Cornwall Community Museum:
Learn about the city's history and heritage at this museum. It houses artifacts and exhibits that showcase Cornwall's past, including its ties to the fur trade and the War of 1812.

St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre:
Discover the fascinating history of hydroelectric power generation along the St. Lawrence River. The visitor center features interactive displays and offers guided tours of the R.H. Saunders Generating Station.

Lamoureux Park:
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront in Lamoureux Park. This beautiful green space features walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino:
If you're feeling lucky, visit the casino in nearby Akwesasne. It... Read MORE...