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The Baldoon Settlement 1804-1818

Photo by Alan L Brown - August, 2004

Plaque Location

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent
In a park on the west side of the St. Clair Parkway (Road 33)
across from Langstaff Line

Coordinates: N 42 37.122 W 82 28.691

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.

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Settlements

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Posted February 17, 2009
My name is Paul McKenzie and the McKenzie's that I am related to settled in the Baldoon Settlement area. My great-great grandfather, Murdoch McKenzie came to that area in 1843 with his wife and children. Prior to that a John McKenzie and his wife and children were one of the 15 Scottish families mentioned on the plaque. I have been trying to find the relationship between these two families of McKenzies but so far I have had no luck. If anyone has any information regarding this settlement I would be interested in hearing from you.

Posted August 24, 2008
Baldoon- a little known piece of our history that was founded by one of the more well known explorers( Selkirk). The choice of the site was ill planned and the Scottish pioneers must have known this. When Selkirk moved out west, it was a good thing for the future Ontario. Yes Laddee!

Posted July 9, 2008
on 17 sept 1818 lord selkirk sold baldoon farm to john mcnab, a hbc trader. did john mcnab live on the farm? did john mcnab stay in the area after he sold the farm ? thanks,george bruce in scarborough

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