Then as now, United Empire Loyalist came from all walks of life. United under the belief that Monarchy is the best policy, the Loyalist families who fled the American republic included various national and ethnic origins.

The multiculturalism of the Loyalist would form the cornerstones of a shared heritage. Together, starting in places such as the Grand River region, a new nation would grow… drawn together by the desire to use differences as their strength and a common bond as the defining identity.

1784 would become a pivotal year in Canadian history.

Many who were formerly successful business people found themselves wintering in tents with what few meagre household goods they were able to bring with them. Many survived. Many didn’t.

Despite the hardships of a new life in vast wilderness, eventually their determination paid off and Canada’s original refugee arrivals began to prosper.