Peterborough in Peterborough County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Robinson Settlement

1825

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024

1. The Robinson Settlement Marker

Inscription.
In an effort to alleviate poverty and unemployment in Ireland, the British government in 1825 sponsored a settlement of Irish emigrants in the Newcastle District of Upper Canada. Peter Robinson, later that province's Commissioner of Crown Lands, was appointed superintendent and, in May, 2,024 persons sailed from Cork. A few settled elsewhere and disease thinned their numbers, but by September the remainder were gathered in temporary shelters on the site of Peterborough. Under Robinson's supervision, free rations were distributed until November, 1826, cabins erected and 1,878 settlers successfully established on land in the Peterborough region.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 44° 18.476′ N, 78° 19.135′ W. Marker is in Peterborough, Ontario, in Peterborough County. It is on Water Street just north of Brock Street, on the right when traveling

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north. The marker is located near the sidewalk, on the west side of Victoria Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 470 Water Street, Peterborough ON K9H 3M3, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Kawarthas Northumberland Area

and in Eastern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Civic Park (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Citizens' War Memorial (about 150 meters away); Military (about 180 meters away); Pioneer Burial Ground (about 210 meters away); The Post Office (about 210 meters away); The Brock Street Burial (about 210 meters away); Capt. Edward T. Brown (about 210 meters away); Agricultural Fair (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterborough.

More about this marker.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024

2. The Robinson Settlement Marker

Looking east from Water Street; Victoria Park is in the background.

Both sides of this marker have the same English inscription.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Robinson Settlement

Also see . . .
1. Peter Robinson Settlers in Canada (Geni.com).

Excerpt: Most of the emigrants were chosen from the area north of the Blackwater River in Cork from the estates of a few landlords though a number of Kinsellas, presumably from the southeast of Ireland, also went. Eight land owners chose 239 families with 37 other landowners picking the remaining 68 families. Emigrants were required to be peasants, and Roman Catholic although several Protestant families were chosen. No person over the age of 45 would be accepted. Each emigrant was to be given 70 acres which would be subject to a payment of an annual quit rent to the Crown, to be paid every six months at 2 pence per acre. In "The Peter Robinson Settlement of 1825", author Bill LaBranche says, "In the year 1823 Robinson was to lead an emigration from poverty stricken Ireland to Canada bringing over 182 families in that same year, Robinson opened and settled much of the Ottawa Valley.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024

3. The Robinson Settlement Marker
Looking west across Water Street.
By May, 1825, the problem had not resolved itself and once again, Robinson, as Superintendent, hustled his Settlers onto the nine ships that awaited them. A total of 2,024 people were crowded onto those nine ships causing ships fever which resulted in several deaths during the voyage."

(Submitted on November 12, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. The Peter Robinson settlement of 1825. (Submitted on November 12, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 550 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 12, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.