| This area of Ontario is covered by Dundas County GenWeb. The information presented below is merely an outline of the county and does not include what is available for genealogical research for this area. For information on genealogical research of this area please visit Dundas County GenWeb. |
In 1792, when the province of Upper Canada was first divided into counties, Dundas County was the third county to be created.
It was named for Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville (1741-1811).
The area was surveyed in 1783 in preparation for settlement by United Empire Loyalists. The first settlers arrived soon after, the First Battalion of the Kings Royal Rangers of New York among them.
"All the children of these first settlers were entitled to two hundred acres of land for themselves upon reaching the age of twenty-one. However, since there was so much to be done on their parents' farm, most young people sold their land to speculators for a pittance, often never having seen the lot."2
"One of the most important factors in the development of Dundas County as an industrial and agricultural area was the availability of diverse transportation. Because of it proximity to the St Lawrence Seaway, its position on two railway lines, and the energy of the early settlers, the county has grown and prospered."2
"Population 379 in 1783, 13,011 in 1852 and 16,210 in 1941."3
Dundas County is located in South-Eastern Ontario.
1788-1792 - In Lunenburg District
1792-1850 - In Eastern District
1850-present - Part of the municipality of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry."2
More maps of this area
Surnames
Place Names
Books
Links
Questions & Answers
1 Lovell's Gazetteer of British North America 1873
2 Places In Ontario by Nick & Helma Mika, 1977
3 Place Names of Ontario by Floreen Carter, 1984
5 Place Names of Ontario by Alan Rayburn, 1997
