Cornwall, Ontario, City, population 45 640 (2001 census), 47 403 (1996 census), incorporated 1945, is located on the north bank of the ST LAWRENCE RIVER about 40 km west of the Quebec border. Founded by LOYALIST soldiers in 1784, it is one of English Canada's oldest settlements. These settlers were joined in 1786 by a large number of Highland Scots. In 1797 the original name of New Johnstown was changed to Cornwall, in honour of the Duke of Cornwall, the eldest son of King George III.

Cornwall became a town in 1834 and began work on a canal to enable ships to pass the Long Sault Rapids. The canal opened in 1842 and brought prosperity. Water power from the canal was used to run local woollen, saw, and flour mills. The completion of the GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY between Montreal and Toronto in 1856 put Cornwall in a good position to attract more industry. A paper mill established in 1883 rapidly expanded; it is now a division of Domtar Ltd and is one of the city's biggest employers. The city's manufacturing sector is much more diverse, with light manufacturing industries producing a wide range of products. [Domtar closed 2006]

Cornwall is located on the ST LAWRENCE SEAWAY and is linked to New York State by an international bridge. In 1958 the city's residents observed "Inundation Day," as a seaway dam was blown up, flooding some of the longest settled areas in Ontario.
(The Canadian Encyclopedia)

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