Originally settled in 1784 by United Empire Loyalists, the community later served as a garrison town during the War of 1812. Significant chapters in Cornwall’s history were written during the latter half of the 19th century as the town emerged as an important industrial centre in Eastern Ontario. Construction of the Cornwall Canal between 1834-42 provided transportation and water power for the numerous mills and later textile plants which located along the waterfront.

Another period of staggering growth took place between 1921 and 1931, when Cornwall’s population increased by fifty percent. Cornwall’s steady growth continued in the 1950’s with the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Construction of the Seaway began on August 10, 1954 and was finalized on Dominion Day, July 1, 1958. Thousands of spectators watched as thirty tons of dynamite were detonated causing the last coffer dam to flood the riverbed and Lake St. Lawrence. This historic event marked the development of the largest international hydro-electric power dam.

For the past several decades, Cornwall’s economy has continued to grow and change. Today, Cornwall is a modern community with a very diverse economy that includes manufacturing, logistics/distribution and service sectors.

The first important influx of francophones into Cornwall and the surrounding area took place between 1870 and 1890, due to the opening of textile and paper mills, and the overall industrialization of the City, with the subsequent availability of employment opportunities. Since then, the francophone community has contributed towards giving the City of Cornwall its unique bilingual character. Cornwall elected its first francophone mayor, Angus Lalonde, in 1904.

To read more about Cornwall's history, visit Choose Cornwall's website. Other useful resources include the Cornwall Community Museum and Heritage-Patrimoine Cornwall.