The Morrisburg & District Historical Society "Quod potui perfeci"

Home Sir James Morris Aims & objectives Henry Dundas About Morrisburg Walking Tour Naming of Morrisburg Links

In 1838 a commission was established to look into improving navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Sir James Morris, as a commissioner, was instrumental in promoting and financing the construction of the Williamsburg Canals on the St. Lawrence River. The canals were built between 1844-1856 on the north side of the St.Lawrence River to form part of the Great Lakes Navigation System. The construction of the canals on the front of Dundas County provided the impetus for the growth of a village then called West Williamsburg.

In 1850 postal affairs were transferred from London, England to the United Province of Canada. The Province of Canada passed the “Post Office Act” the same year. Sir James Morris was named the first Postmaster-General of Canada on February 22, 1851. Under his direction postal rates were reduced from 16 cents to 5 cents and postal services were greatly expanded and many towns received official post offices. In 1851 when West Williamsburg was granted a post office under the new Act the residents and officals renamed the settlement “Morrisburgh” in honour of Sir James Morris. This compliment to the Honourable gentleman was in recognition of all of his efforts (the construction of the canals) which allowed the village to become established and to grow. Morrisburg’s first Postmaster under the new “Post Office Act” was H.G. Stearns.

Morrisburg was incorporated as a village in 1860. In 1864, Sir James Morris gifted the sum of $100.00 to the village in appreciation of the honour paid to him. The gift was to be used to procure a town clock or a bell. A bell was purchased and placed above the public school which also served as the meeting place for council. This bell remained above the public school until the Seaway Project at which time it was removed and placed into storage. The bell was then presented to Morrisburg Public School by the Women’s Institute and was displayed at the school’s entrance until 1992. In 1992, the village of Morrisburg erected a clock tower in the shopping plaza. The bell was relocated from Morrisburg Public School into the clock tower at that time. This final move completed a process that had begun 128 years earlier.

Membership	Aims & Objectives	Projects	About Morrisburg	Naming of Morrisburg	Sir James Morris	Henry Dundas	Links	Home

This page is sponsored by Glen-Net Communications and The Morrisburg & District Historical Society as a service to the community.

If your not-for-profit organization or community service wishes to post information, please contact Glen-Net Communications for further information at sales@glen-net.ca.

web site Sept. 2004.