Tyrconnell

Tyrconnell. . , . One of Elgin County's most successful early communities, Tyrconnell was a busy port community during pioneer days. , . Mills, greatly needed in the region, were established as early as 1817. Other early additions included a warehouse, post office, ashery, two whisky distilleries, tanneries, general stores, hotel, blacksmiths, tailor, and carriage factories, which attracted tradesmen to the community. , . St. Peter's Cemetery was established in 1825 followed by St. Peter's Anglican Church in 1827, Tyrconnell Methodist Church in 1855, and Tyrconnell Cemetery in 1870. , . The community failed to develop its promising natural harbour into a port and fishery, as was done at Port Stanley and Port Burwell. Two pier companies attempted to do so in the 1850s and 1860s, but by that time the railway age had already begun and Tyrconnell was bypassed by rail service. Its industry not diversified beyond shipping, Tyrconnell became an outlet for produce from the surrounding countryside. , . The pier fell into disrepair by 1890 and the warehouse was closed by 1895. In 1913, the post office also closed as services and industry concentrated in Dutton along the rail line. , . In addition to its cemeteries and St. Peter's Church, Tyrconnell remains home to some of the region's oldest and most historically significant homes, including the Backus-Page House Museum built in 1850 for early settlers Andrew and Mary Jane Backus. ,