Samuel de Champlain travels up the Ottawa River, becoming the first white man to lead an expedition through Carleton County.

Nathaniel Dickinson, ancestor of M.K. Dickinson (co-founder of Manotick), his wife and children, flee England for the New England colonies to escape religious persecution as Puritans. (For more history of the Dickinson family see, “The Dickinson Men of Manotick” by William and Georgina Tupper.)

With the Revolutionary Army victorious, brothers Stephen, Daniel and Edmund Burritt (future founders of Burritt’s Rapids), serving with the British, are imprisoned and have their land and possessions confiscated. Escaping with the assistance of a sympathetic American guard, the brothers would make their way to Canada.

(Sept. 3) Signing of the “Treaty of Paris,” ending the American revolutionary war. Acceptance of the border between Canada and the U.S. from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake of the Woods.

Approximately 40,000 United Empire Loyalists from the Thirteen Colonies start immigrating to Canada. Most settle in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and New Brunswick (established as a colony separate from Nova Scotia in 1784). Three thousand Black Loyalists settle near Shelburne, Nova Scotia.

The government of the Province of Quebec (pre-cursor to Upper Canada, Province of Canada and Ontario) begins creating Districts and Counties to serve administrative needs at the local level.

Roger Stevens becomes the first white settler on the future route of the Rideau Canal when he builds a homestead and mill on the north side of main branch of the Rideau River east of current day Merrickville.

Colonel Stephen Burritt and his wife Martha (daughter of Roger Stevens) settle a mile west of the Stevens homestead. They would be the founders of current day Burritt’s Rapids.

Captain Theodore Christian de Pencier commences survey of Marlborough Township.

Passing of the Constitutional Act (CA), dividing the British colony of the Province of Quebec into two separate provinces, Lower Canada (Quebec) and Upper Canada (Ontario), with the Ottawa River forming part of the border. The Act was passed by the British Parliament in response to the large numbers of United Empire Loyalists seeking refuge,

The creation of Upper Canada was in response to the desire expressed by recently arrived United Empire Loyalist settlers for British institutions and laws, especially British laws of land tenure.

Under the CA the right to vote was distributed more broadly, and did not specifically exclude women. In LC, this enabled women who owned property to vote, as women’s property and inheritance rights were determined by the “Custom of Paris,” by which property was shared between husbands and wives. However, in UC women were subject to English Common Law, and were therefore excluded from voting under the CA.

William Merrick, a millwright and Loyalist from Massachusetts, settles at the current site of Merrickville. Both William Merrick and his contemporary Roger Stevens were United Empire Loyalists who had been granted lands along the Rideau River. Both were also entrepreneurs set on harnessing the river’s rapids to power mills. Steven’s untimely death left Merrick as the principal developer in the area of Merrickville.

Roger Stevens and William Merrick travel down the Rideau River to the Ottawa River to investigate the potential for a mill site. On the return trip they detour into what is now called Steven’s Creek, where Roger Stevens drowns under uncertain (and somewhat mysterious) circumstances.

Edmund Burritt becomes the first white child born along the Rideau River. Born in a log cabin, he would become a doctor in Smiths Falls.

First survey, outlining the boundaries of North Gower Township and some interior lines is undertaken; however, the township would not be fully surveyed until 1824.

Loyalist Seth Phillips is granted Lot 23, Concession 4, making him likely the first settler of North Gower Township.

The new District of Johnstown comes into effect, creating Carleton County from portions of Dundas and Grenville counties, including the Townships of Marlborough, North and South Gower, Oxford, Wolford and Montague.

Marlborough Township has a population of 85.

Napoleon’s continental blockade in Europe forces the United Kingdom to look to their North American colonies for timber, thus stimulating the lumber industry in the Ottawa Valley.

The British government begins actively (if informally) recruiting (skilled) British citizens to emigrate to and settle in Upper Canada in order that, “the male population might be valuable both for the present defense and future protection of Upper Canada by offering to them grants of land in that province and a free passage for themselves and their families”.

John O’Callaghan and his wife Ellen O’Connor become first settlers to arrive in vicinity of Kars.

Long Island Road, extending from Burritt’s Rapids to Bytown is constructed. It is the first road through North Gower village, also passing by Manotick via Pierces Corners.

Following the war of 1812, upward of 400 veterans settle near Richmond, on the northern boundary of Marlborough Township. Some of these settlers receive land grants within the Township.

Work begins on the first “official” road in Carleton County, Richmond Road, from Chaudiere Flats to the military settlement of Richmond.

Joseph Currier, co-founder (along with M.K. Dickinson) of Manotick, is born in North Troy, Vermont.

John Carson and wife Mary Cummings, arrive from Ireland and settle on what is now the Carsonby Road

Lumbering was the main reason for early settlement in North Gower. The banks of the Rideau had fine stands of lumber, and there were no restrictions or fees related to cutting. The link below, while focused on Ottawa River/Valley lumbering is also valid for similar activity on the Rideau River.

Among the early non-indigenous settlers to enter North Gower Township to stay were Stephen Blanchard, Sebra Beaman and Richard Garlick. All of United Empire Loyalist stock, and all engaged principally in lumbering. Blanchard and Beaman settled in and around North Gower Village, while Garlick settled on the Rideau just south of the current village of Kars and commenced logging and lumbering along Stevens Creek and the Rideau.

Richard Garlick is associated with a number of “1sts” in the Twp, including:

• Building the first school in Rideau Twp, and 18’x18’ log trough-roofed structure;
• Clearing the first road, following Stevens Creek, then north toward Rickmond.
• Building and operating the first steamer on the Rideau, the “Bytown” launched at the mouth of Stevens Creek.
• Operating the first public-house.

While considered the founder of Kars, Richard Garlick and his family left the area around 1863.

Moss Kent Dickinson, destined to be co-founder of Manotick, is born in Denmark, New York. He is descended from the Mayflower pilgrims. Note: Many more references to Moss Kent Dickinson can be found by searching this site, as well as the RTHS Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/profile/100063764224737/search/?q=Moss%20Kent%20Dickinson

The first purpose-built schoolhouse for Marlborough Township is erected on Lot 24, Concession 1 (at Burritt’s Rapids). The first teacher was “Squire” Sowlers, who was not a professional but held classes at his home during the winter months.

A number of Eastman families begin farming near the location of Stephen Blanchard. These, along with f few other who settled over the next couple of years, form the nucleus of what will become North Gower Village.

George L. Burritt is elected as the first Township Clerk for Marlborough.

Thomas A. Beckett arrives in Canada from County Mayo, Ireland, a young unmarried man. He secures an Imperial government grant of free land. Upon hearing of plans for the construction of the Rideau Canal, he secures grants for his brothers Alex and James.

Peter Jones and Annie Eastman, both children of UE Loyalists, settle on land in North Gower, on the 4^th line, just north of North Gower village. Their first-born would be the first child born in North Gower Township.

Stephen Blanchard, Sebra Beaman & Richard Garlick build a road from the mouth of Stevens Creek to Richmond.

The final surveying of North Gower Township is completed by Asa Landon, after having been started by John Stegman (in 1791), and Rubin Sherwood, P.L.S. (in 1823).

The first bridge across the Rideau is built by Edmund Burritt and Ashel Hurd, in Burritt’s Rapids

Approximately 16 families live in North Gower Township.

Population of Marlborough and North Gower Townships = 367

Construction begins on the Rideau Canal under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers. Completed in 1832.

James Lindsay, a prominent settler in the Kars (Wellington) vicinity, makes his way from Ogdensburg to the shore of Rideau River.

First Church of England services held in Kars, at the home of John Eastman.

34 families are reported to live in North Gower Township.

The first school (S.S.#6) built in North Gower Township is a one-room log structure in the village of North Gower.

Thomas A. Beckett of Kemptville settles Beckett’s Landing. He will begin a ferry service for travellers. He will also built an inn, brewery, and wool carding mill.

Terence Smythe reportedly builds the first grist mill at Burritt’s Rapids, producing corn meal, oat meal and wheat flour. (This event and ownership of the land in question is uncertain:

Erection, under the supervision of Canon Henry Patlon, of Christ Church (Anglican) at Burritt’s Rapids. It is the oldest church in Carleton County, outside of Ottawa.

Completion of the Rideau Canal. The first full steamboat transit is made by Colonel By in May aboard the “Rideau” nicknamed “Pumper,” and owned by Robert Drummond.

Wharf built at Kars by James Lindsay.

A school is built at Lindsay’s Corners.

Population of North Gower = 245

Population of Marlborough = 445

The first commercial forwarding business is established to provide regular steamboat service between Montreal and Kingston by way of Bytown.

A settlement begins to develop at Long Island Locks consisting largely of workers involved in building the Rideau Canal, completed in 1832.

Population of North Gower = 312

Population of Marlborough = 623

Joseph Currier leaves his hometown in Vermont and settles in Buckingham, Lower Canada (modern-day Québec). This is where he would first become involved in the lumber business.

John Pierce settles in the area that would become Pierce’s Corners. He owned almost 500 acres in the Marlborough Township.

The formation of the new District of Dalhousie includes the townships of Marlborough and North Gower.

A Post Office opens in Burritt’s Rapids.

Population of North Gower = 464

Population of Marlborough = 742

The British “Act of Union” unites Upper (Canada West) and Lower (Canada East) Canada into a single political entity, the Province of Canada, effective 1841.

Thomas Craig and his wife Elizabeth Moffatt (along with 8 sons and 2 daughters) come to Canada from Ireland. (2)

Moss Kent Dickinson moves to Kingston from Prescott and purchases his first steamer (Rob Roy) and barge, and begins his own shipping and forwarding business, known as M.K. Dickinson Forwarding and Commission Merchant.

A Union Cemetery is established in North Gower, on land donated by William Craig.

The first Presbyterian Church in the Manotick area is built near Long Island Locks.

North Gower Township boasts 7 schools, with over 300 children being taught.

Bylaw passed authorizing the construction of the “Prescott Coach Road,” the original route to Prescott, on what is now Bank St.

A Post Office opens in North Gower Village.

Prominent resident James Scobie settles in North Gower Township.

Irish settler Noble Watterson emigrates from Ireland and arrives in the Rideau Valley area. He sends for his family to join him and settles in North Gower Township in what becomes Watterson’s Corners (First Line and Century Rd.)

Moss Kent Dickinson moves his residence and business head office to Montreal from Kingston. He now has five steamers and eighteen barges.

Passage of the Baldwin Act/Municipal Corporations Act, by which the Province of Canada abolished Districts, replacing them with Counties. The County of Carleton would include the former Dalhousie District, of which Marlborough and North Gower are part.

North Gower Village becomes the “seat of government” for North Gower Township subsequent to the Baldwin Act.

A site named the “Village of Long Island” is surveyed by Robert Bell.

The steamship Prince Albert, commences passenger and freight service on the Rideau Canal. A side-wheel steamer, the Prince Albert played a notable role in the commercial development of the Rideau Canal system. As one of the first steamers adapted for the canal’s locks after its 1832 opening, it symbolized the shift from military to economic use of the waterway, facilitating trade in timber, potash, and agricultural goods while providing reliable passenger service. Its career was short-lived amid growing competition from railways, but it contributed to the canal’s emergence as a vital transport link between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario.

Joseph Merril Currier and Moss Kent Dickinson become business partners in lumbering. They will be the first to manufacture sawn lumber for shipment to the Boston market.

Daniel Craig becomes the first reeve of North Gower Township.

The North Gower Township population exceeds 1700.

St. John the Baptist Anglican Church is built in Kars. It would be moved in 1904 to better accommodate attendees.

First census of Upper and Lower Canada, as well as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia conducted.:

• Canada West (Ontario) = 952,004
• Canada East (Quebec) = 890,261
• New Brunswick = 193,800
• Nova Scotia = 276,854
• Total = 2,312,919

Marlborough Township records 315 dwellings and a population of 2032, while North Gower Township has 277 dwellings and a population 1777.

Canada issues its first postage stamp, the Three Penny Beaver, designed by Sandford Fleming.

Adam Johnston Eastman builds the first steam sawmill in the township near the mouth of Stevens Creek at Kars. By 1865 this mill will produce 3 million board feet of lumber yearly.

The earliest known map of North Gower Village is created.

A post office is established at the locks at Long Island Village.

The first train (Bytown & Prescott Railway) arrives in Ottawa from Prescott (84 km).

Bytown is renamed Ottawa.

Post Office opened at Lindsay’s Wharf, with James Lindsay as the first postmaster.

The first Church of England is built in North Gower on what is now 2372 Church Street. Built at a cost of $700, this small frame building accommodated about 100 people. However, by 1876, increasing numbers of worshippers prompted the planning of a new, larger stone church.

A post office is opened under the name Malakoff, with W. John Pierce as postmaster. However, this post office was physically located on John Pierce’s property on Lot 6, Concession 5 (Marlborough) in Pierce’s Corners (at the time, it was common practice for the post office to be established in the home of the postmaster.)

The rationale for assigning the name “Malakoff” (which recognizes the Battle of Malakoff in the Crimean War) to a post office in Pierces Corners is unknown. However, it is useful to know that the communities designated as “Malakoff” and “Pierces Corners” are situated directly across from one another on the road dividing Concessions 5 and 6.

This circumstance would continue until 1876 when the “Malakoff” post office in Pierce’s Corners is closed, and a new Malakoff post office established in the home of the new postmaster Thomas Johnston on Lot 6, Concession 6).

Ottawa becomes the new capital of the United Province of Canada, as chosen and declared by Queen Victoria.

Completion of a site plan for the village of Kars. Originally known as “Wellington Village” the name Kars was chosen to commemorate the Canadian-born General William Fenwick Williams who had defended the town of Kars, Turkey during a siege by the Russians in the Crimean war in 1855.

The population of North Gower Village is estimated at 250.

New weir and bulkhead constructed across the west branch of the Rideau River at the present site of Manotick.

Joseph Merril Currier and Moss Kent Dickinson lease water rights on the west branch of the Rideau from the Crown for $50 per year. They also purchase land on both sides of the river for establishing their Long Island Milling Enterprises.

The population of Kars/Wellington is estimated at 50.

Opening of St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Osgoode Twp just south of Manotick.

The government builds a bridge across the Rideau River at Beckett’s Landing. Thomas Beckett, founder of Beckett’s Landing, retires his ferry service to become the first bridgemaster.

The first Methodist Church is built at North Gower, located at the main intersection of the village. It will be destroyed by fire, and replaced  in 1872 with the current United Church at 2332 Church St.

Long Island Village has approximately 100 inhabitants.

Dickinson’s Ottawa and Rideau Passage and Freight Line opens. This would have a steamer running between Ottawa and Kingston multiple times a week, and a daily train from Ottawa to Prescott.

Joseph Currier and Moss Dickinson open a saw mill and grist mill at the site of Manotick. The grist mill is the largest of its kind in eastern Ontario, employing 20 men, and producing 100 barrels of flour a day.

Joseph Currier builds “Currier Cottage” across from the grist mill at Manotick.

Second census of Upper and Lower Canada, as well as NB, NS & PEI:

• Canada West =1,396,091
• Canada East = 1,110,664
• New Brunswick = 193,800
• Nova Scotia = 330,857
• PEI = 80,857

Total = 3,112,269

In Carleton County, the census reveals there to be 3,615 log houses, 449 frame construction buildings, and seven of brick.

Ann (Crosby) Currier dies in a tragic accident at the Long Island Mill of Currier & Dickinson.

Moss Kent Dickinson registers a village site plan for “Manotick” (Ojibway word meaning “Island in the River.”)

Following the tragic death of his young wife Ann, Joseph Currier leaves his partnership with Moss Kent Dickinson and moves to Ottawa, turning his attention to his Edinburgh Sawmills at Rideau Falls.

The population of Manotick reaches 100, and a Post Office is opened in the village.

M.K. Dickinson becomes the mayor of Ottawa, serving until 1866.

Oil is “discovered” in North Gower, creating great excitement amongst the village, in hopes of it becoming more prosperous. Unfortunately, this would be a false alarm, as there was no oil in North Gower.

A village plot for Kars was laid out, the name originating from the Crimean War (Turkish fort defended by Sir. William Fenwick).

Burritt’s Rapids has a population of approximately 400.

Confederation – Canada is formed with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario.

James Craig of North Gower provides land for the building of the first cheese factory in Carleton County (The North Gower Cheese Manufacturing Company). At its peak it would have up to 87 cheese milk shippers, and produce 20 cheeses a day, and 100 tons per season.

Federal gov’t contracts for construction of a bridge over the Rideau Canal at Beckett’s Landing.

The Government builds a swing bridge over the East Branch of the Rideau River at Manotick. This bridge will last until 1956.

Joseph Currier becomes the Member of Parliament for Ottawa.

Moss Kent Dickinson builds “Dickinson House” in Manotick; it initially is used as an office for his mill operations, as well as serving as the post office for the young village of Manotick (population ~100.)

The first top buggy is introduced in North Gower, by John Cole.

Burritt’s Rapids Cheese Factory, the first cheese factory in the town, is established by William and Edward Kidd. The latter would become one of the most well-known cheese entrepreneurs in the area, owning many other factories. It burned town in the early 1940s after switching owners many times.

As a great fire swept from Stittsville to Ottawa, the people in North Gower assisted and housed people who had lost their homes or could not return to their homes. The village, and to a larger extent, the township, would have many refugees from the city for months after.

Present United Church in North Gower is constructed by the Methodists, who had a church building in North Gower since 1843.

With the demise of large-scale lumbering, demand for settlers’ farm produce declined drastically. Carleton County farmers began developing the dairy potential of their operations.

North Gower Village reportedly has 5 general stores, 2 carriage makers, 3 millners, 3 blacksmiths, 2 tanners, 1 saddler, 1 harness maker, 1 tailor, 2 hotelkeepers, 3 shoemakers, 1 cooper and 1 cabinetmaker.

North Gower council decides to spend $125 to erect a telegraph line between Osgoode Station and North Gower village, giving the village direct access to the outside world.

Burritt’s Rapids reaches a population of 400. There are two sawmills, a grist mill, two shingle mills, and a carding and fulling mill in the village.

Kars has a population of approximately 150.

A new iron bridge is built across the West Branch of the Rideau River at Manotick. This bridge will last until 1957.

Edward Kidd establishes a cheese factory in Manotick, being one of three in the village.

A deputation of prominent citizens of North Gower and Manotick attend a meeting at the Union Hall in Ottawa to discuss the possibility of making a road from Ottawa and Gloucester leading all the way to North Gower, passing through Manotick.

The Federal Gov’t considers the issue of building a bridge over the Rideau River at or near the village of Wellington in the Township of North Gower. Further discussion is deferred, pending proposals from the local Municipalities, which are responsible for bridges. The issue was raised in the House as fluctuations in the Rideau Canal, which is a federal responsibility, does affect water levels in the River, and therefore has an influence on riverbank conditions, which in turn do affect the costs of constructing bridges.

M.K. Dickinsons establishs a Bung, Plug, and Spile factory across the river from his Grist Mill in Manotick.

The last drive of railroad ties, cut in Marlborough Twp is floated down Stevens Creek by William Pratt.

Construction is completed on a Township Hall in North Gower. (Current location of the Rideau Township Archives.)

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kars, is built on land donated by James Lindsay.

St. James Anglican Church is completed in Manotick, on land donated by M.K. Dickinson.

The first telephone is installed in Ottawa, connecting Rideau Hall with the Premier’s office.

A swing bridge completed across the Rideau at Kars, ending the ferry service.

The population of North Gower Township is estimated at over 2,300

Manotick’s population reaches approximately 400.

The Belden Atlas of Carleton County is published. It includes detailed maps of property ownership and important structures in North Gower and Marlborough Townships.

Joseph Merrill Currier (1820-1884) dies. His accomplishments include:

• Developing, along with M.K. Dickinson the Long Island Milling operations at Manotick;
• Serving on Ottawa City Council
• Representing Ottawa in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada.
• Representing Ottawa in the Parliament of Canada.
• Building 24 Sussex Drive, which would become the official residence of Canada’s Prime Ministers

Opening of North Gower S.S.#4 (Todd’s Corners)

Opening of Carsonby Methodist Church.

George Lemuel Dickinson, son of Moss Kent Dickinson is voted to be the conservative representative of Carleton County, succeeding John A. Macdonald.

Installation of the first telephones in North Gower Village.

(Feb.) Founding of the Women’s Institute movement in Ontario at Stoney Creek by Adelaide Hoodless.

Installation of a swing bridge across the Rideau Canal at Burritts Rapids.

Moss Kent Dickinson, founder of Manotick, co-founder (with Joseph Merrill Currier) of Long Island Milling, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, Member of Parliament dies.

The population of North Gower Village is 321.

The population of Pierce’s Corners is 176.

James H. Taylor builds a cheese factory at Beckett’s Landing, which would later be known as the Green Valley Cheese factory. It will burn down in 1964, having been the last functioning cheese factory in Marlborough and North Gower Townships.

The population of Kars is approximately 300.

Manotick is incorporated as a police village.

North Gower incorporated as a police village.

Formation of the North Gower Women’s Institute. It is the first WI Branch formed in Carleton County, and possibly the first in Eastern Ontario.

Formation of the Manotick Women’s Institute. First meeting – held at the Central Experimental Farm – of the newly formed WI “District” consisting of WI Branches in North Gower, Manotick and Stittsville.

Kars Branch of the Women’s Institute officially organized with 32 members.

Carleton District WI adds Branches in Kinburn, Kars and South March. District membership = 324.

After numerous plebiscites, beginning in 1873, the Council of North Gower Township votes in favour of prohibition. It would end in 1968.

A proposal is made for a highway from Prescott to Ottawa, passing through North Gower, Manotick, Kemptville and Spencerville. Surveys for the highway will be completed in 1916, and the highway itself completed in 1926.

North Gower village reaches a population of 465, and is said to be the largest and most important village in the township.

A confirmed 204 individuals from North Gower and Marlborough Townships enlist for military service; however this number is likely higher.

North Gower becomes the first rural district in Canada to win the Honour Flag conferred by the Duke of Devonshire for exceeding their objective of selling victory bonds. Marlborough also won its Honour Flag.

the Prescott Highway (Highway 16) is paved.

Hydro reaches Manotick. It reaches surrounding villages about ten years later.

Street lights are installed in North Gower Village.

George McLean comes to Manotick, leasing a store and establishing his business. He would go on to make important contributions to the growth and development of Manotick as a village.

Miss Elizabeth Henderson Dickinson passes away. She is the last surviving member of the Dickinson family, pioneers of Manotick.

North Gower township forms a branch of the Red Cross Society. That same year, a branch in Pierce’s Corners is formed, affiliating with the North Gower branch.

Fire destroys the Manotick Public School.

The new Manotick Public Schools opens, a replacement for the one that burned down the year prior.

German prisoners of war are assigned farm work as a part of their time in internment camps, including in a farm in North Gower.

North Gower Township is the first in Carleton County to amalgamate school sections under one School Board (by township). There had been 9 school sections prior. The school board is named North Gower Township School Area Board.

A.M. Spratt sells the Mill in Manotick to Harry Watson. Spratt had purchased the mill from the family of Manotick founder Moss Kent Dickinsons in 1928.

South Carleton High School Area is formed from 7 continuation schools. (1)

Nine public schools in North Gower Township are closed for some weeks due to concerns of a polio outbreak. There was no epidemic in the area, however, the closing being merely precaution.

The South Carleton High School System is established to principally serve the townships of North Gower and Marlborough, along with March, Huntley and Osgoode. There are 390 students enrolled across seven schools. The greatest number (110) are at Manotick Upper School, with 58 in North Gower and 40 in Kars. Free bus transportation is provided.

The new Rideau Jail Farm is established and opened, located near Burritt’s Rapids.

The population of North Gower village reaches 400.

Preeminent Canadian artist A.Y. Jackson moves to Manotick and builds a studio/home at 1176 Highcroft Drive.

A new bridge is opened in Manotick.

Manotick’s population reaches 3600.

Rideau Provincial Park is opened near Beckett’s Landing.

The elected trustees of the Police Village of Manotick file a submission with the Province of Ontario that Manotick and surrounding area be incorporated under one township in the County of Carleton. This submission, and a subsequent one failed, and Manotick remained a Police Village until 1974, when the creation of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton places Manotick under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Rideau Township.

Watson’s Mill is officially designated as an Ontario Historic Site.

Spearheads dating around 5000 years ago are found near Beckett’s Landing, confirming the presence of indigenous groups in the area long before the arrival of settlers.

St. Leonard’s Catholic school opens on Long Island Drive with approximately 125 students from Manotick, Osgoode, Kars, River Road, and even Uplands.

The “new” St. Leonard School replaced the smaller, one-room Herbert’s Corners School, which closed that same year. St. Leonard School was the new Catholic separate school for the area, serving students after the previous one-room schoolhouse became too small for the growing population. The original building of St. Leonard’s was later demolished in 1988 and the land was redeveloped for housing.

Carsonby Historical Society is formed, publishing a book on the village’s history two years later.

Negotiations begin between Manotick Village, the Recreation Association and Leimerk Farms Limited (which held the land formerly farmed by George Potter and Harry Leikin) which would result in a land swap and cash exchange leading to the development of Manotick Mews on the former RA grounds, AND the creation of Centennial Park, along with the arena, tennis courts, as well as ball and soccer fields.

Rideau Township is formed with the creation of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. The population of the new township is approximately 7,500

William Tupper is elected the first mayor of Rideau Township.

Manotick holds its first “Dickinson Days” festival, celebrating the village’s heritage and founder Moss Kent Dickinson.

Rideau Township opens its brand new township hall.

The population of Rideau Township reaches 13,000

Carleton County townships are amalgamated into the city of Ottawa, referred to as the Greater Ottawa Area (GOA).

The former Orange Hall in Kars is moved to Upper Canada Village, where it serves as a Masonic Lodge.

The City of Ottawa purchases Watson’s Mill from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, including 4 heritage buildings in the Square (Dickinson House and its Carriage House, The Weaver’s House and the Ayers Building), and Clapp House and the Holloway Property on Clapp Street. Watson’s Mill Manotick Incorporated (WMMI) was created as a non-profit group with a Board Of Directors to manage Watson’s Mill. The City sold the Mill to the WMMI for the nominal sum of $1 to manage the operation of the grist mill, museum and store with a small staff and volunteers.