Libraries and Historical Attractions

The Glengarry County Archives is the largest repository of historical records in Eastern Ontario and contains the foremost collection of history about Glengarry County found anywhere.

The Martintown Grist Mill, built in 1846 by Alexander McMartin, is a historic 4-storey stone mill in the heart of Martintown. Once a key flour milling hub powered by water and later gas, it ceased commercial operations in 1947. Now preserved by the Martintown Mill Preservation Society, the Mill is open to the public on summer weekends.

 The Glengarry, Nor'Westers & Loyalist Museum was opened as part of a centennial project in 1967 as a place to house and celebrate the counties rich history. The museum features two permanent exhibits that depict and preserve the story of the Loyalist settlement of the area as well as the North West Company, a fur trading company with strong local ties that was also key to Canadian Exploration as well as a direct rival of the Hudson Bay Company. 

The Sir John Johnson Manor House is a National Historical Site located in Williamstown. The building is significant for its architectural design and for being one of the oldest surviving buildings in Ontario. Also important is its historical connection to Sir John Johnson, who encouraged United Empire Loyalists to settle in the St. Lawrence River Valley after the American Revolution. For more information call (613) 347-2356.

Located in St. Raphael's, the ruins were once one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English Canada until a fire consumed the church in 1970. Efforts continue today to stabilize the impressive masonry work found in the outer walls, which continues to attract tourists to the beautiful grounds.

The Bishop's House of Glengarry was the headquarters of Rev. Alexander Macdonell, a heralded military captain who came to St. Raphael's in 1804 and became Bishop of Upper Canada (Ontario's first Bishop).

The Township of South Glengarry owns and maintains four Cemetery Sites in memory of our heritage. Spanning from the year 1757 to 1920, families, students, and history buffs alike can follow the link to a geographic information system map to learn more about the locations and history of South Glengarry's early settlers who called this locality home.