1783May, 18
First United Empire Loyalists reach Parrtown (later called Saint John, New Brunswick), Canada, after leaving the United States.
United Empire Loyalists (or simply Loyalists) is an honorific title which was first given by the 1st Lord Dorchester, the Governor of Quebec, and Governor General of The Canadas, to American Loyalists who resettled in British North America during or after the American Revolution. At the time, the demonym Canadian or Canadien was used to refer to the indigenous First Nations groups and the descendants of New France settlers inhabiting the Province of Quebec.They settled primarily in Nova Scotia and the Province of Quebec. The influx of loyalist settlers resulted in the creation of several new colonies. In 1784, New Brunswick was partitioned from the Colony of Nova Scotia after significant loyalist resettlement around the Bay of Fundy. The influx of loyalist refugees also resulted in the Province of Quebec's division into Lower Canada (present-day Quebec), and Upper Canada (present-day Ontario) in 1791. The Crown gave them land grants of one lot. One lot consisted of 200 acres (81 ha) per person to encourage their resettlement, as the Government wanted to develop the frontier of Upper Canada. This resettlement added many English speakers to the Canadian population. It was the beginning of new waves of immigration that established a predominantly English-speaking population in the future Canada both west and east of the modern Quebec border.
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Events on 1783
- 7Feb
Great Siege of Gibraltar
American Revolutionary War: French and Spanish forces lift the Great Siege of Gibraltar. - 15Mar
Newburgh Conspiracy
In an emotional speech in Newburgh, New York, George Washington asks his officers not to support the Newburgh Conspiracy. The plea is successful and the threatened coup d'état never takes place. - 26May
American Revolution
A Great Jubilee Day held at North Stratford, Connecticut, celebrated the end of fighting in American Revolution. - 22Jun
Laki
A poisonous cloud caused by the eruption of the Laki volcano in Iceland reaches Le Havre in France. - 4Dec
Fraunces Tavern
At Fraunces Tavern in New York City, U.S. General George Washington bids farewell to his officers.