Kenora in Kenora District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Governor General's Arrival

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2022

1. Governor General's Arrival Marker

Inscription. Reception of the Marquis of Lorne, August 5, 1881
at the Lake of the Woods, Rat Portage
Most of the 500-plus inhabitants of Rat Portage, including older Indians and French-Canadian voyageurs, waited along the waterfront behind today's Library, to greet Canada's Governor-General, the Marquis of Lorne and his wife, Princess Louise, on their arrival, August 5, 1881.

From Wabigoon, end of the rail line, they travelled south by water to Rainy Lake, Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. Nearing Rat Portage the visitors were met by a flotilla of canoes which escorted them to the water-front welcome.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 5, 1881.

Location. 49° 46.141′ N, 94° 29.46′ W. Marker is in Kenora, Ontario, in Kenora District. Marker can be reached from Bernier Drive just south of Main Street South (Trans-Canada Highway) (Provincial Highway 17), on the right when traveling south. The marker is located along the Kenora Bay waterfront walkway, on the north side of the pavilion. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kenora ON P9N 1S4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hudson's Bay Company Fort at Rat Portage on Old Fort Island, 1857

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(here, next to this marker); Town of Kenora Waterfront History (here, next to this marker); Early Exploration (here, next to this marker); A 1920 View of Today's McLeod Park (a few steps from this marker); The Boundary Dispute (a few steps from this marker); Transportation (a few steps from this marker); Rat Portage Rowing Club (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Flame on the Water — 1995 (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kenora.

Also see . . . Marquis of Lorne’s Tour of the North West Province in Canada 1881 (University of Kent). Excerpt:

There was no distinction between the royal entourage and the press cohort when it came to reporting on the Marquis of Lorne’s (Queen Victoria’s son-in-law, husband of Princess Louise) tour of the North West provinces of Canada in 1881. One desired outcome from this collaboration between the press and the royal family was that it would help present the region as a destination ripe for emigration. The Graphic framed their opening
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2022

2. Governor General's Arrival Marker
Looking east from the waterfront walkway; Bernier Drive is in the background.
remarks accordingly:
"Although Lord Lorne will really only travel through a comparatively small section of the British North American Empire, the district which he has chosen is of considerable importance, for where but a short time since only hunters and trappers existed, the vanguard of agriculturists is now steadily advancing, while the old forts of the Hudson’s Bay Company are being transformed into townships and agricultural centres. The great and undeveloped resources which the Canadian Dominion presents for emigrants, however, are being gradually recognised, and one good effect of Lord Lorne’s tour will undoubtedly be to bring prominently into notice a region which possesses a cold climate in winters, it is true, but which, at the same time, offers great advantages to the enterprising and the industrious."

(Submitted on April 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 41 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.