Top 3 Abandoned Places In South Glengarry

There are so many abandoned places in South Glengarry! This is a list of the top three abandoned places in South Glengarry. Browse through all abandoned places in South Glengarry

1. Glengarry Cairn

An abandoned National Historic Site, sits on an island a short distance from shore, in the St. Lawrence River, south of Lancaster.
The cairn was built in 1840, by the Glengarry Militia, to commemorate the services of Sir John Colborne, who distinguished himself on the battlefields of Europe, before coming to Upper Canada. Here he commanded the armed forces during the 1837 Rebellion, and later served as Lt. Governor and Governor General of Upper Canada.
The cairn itself is extremely large, with a walkway spiralling around the outside of the cairn, all the way to the top. A historical plaque was placed at the base of the walkway when the structure was first built, and then replaced in 1905 when the cairn was repaired.
This small island was a favourite for local boaters, a great place to picnic, fish and enjoy the view from high atop the cairn.

In 2009, this all came to an abrupt stop. A discovery of bones led to claims of a sacred Native burial ground, along with the accompanying land claim by the local Native bands. Research efforts to confirm the origin of the alleged bones have been hampered by Native certainty. Local rumours exist of chicken bones, unconfirmed. Since this incident, the island has been closed to the public, and Native patrol boats are a regular sight in these waters. Although some folks still attempt unauthorized landings, the local authorities tend to turn a blind eye to the aboriginal justice.

Any reference to this site has been virtually erased by Parks Canada. It is officially closed and signs on the island warn would-be trespassers. I want to get a boat and visit this place, to see for myself.

Plaque Text:
This cairn was erected under the supervision of Lieut-Col. Lewis Carmichael of the Imperial Army, then stationed in this district on particular service, by the Highland Militia of Glengarry which had aided in the suppression of the Canadian Rebellion of 1837-38, to commemorate the services of that distinguished soldier Sir John Colborne, who was declared by the historian Napier to have been, 'A man of singular talent for war' and who commanded her majesty's forces in Canada at that critical period. He had previously served with conspicuous merit throughout the Peninsular War and elsewhere and had greatly distinguished himself at Waterloo when in command of the 52nd regiment. He was Lieut. Governor of Upper Canada from November 1828 to January 1836, Governor General of Canada in 1839, and afterwards became Field Marshall Lord Seaton G.C.B. The cairn was repaired and this tablet erected in 1905.

2. St. Raphael's

St. Raphael's was founded by Reverend Alexander Macdonell (Knoydart, Glengarry, Scotland) in 1786 when he along with 608 Scottish Highland pioneers, migrated to the area to begin a new life.

The church was built beginning in 1815 and was consecrated in 1821. At the time, it was the largest church in Upper Canada (as well as the first Catholic Church) and known as the Blue Chapel for it's blue roof. Until the 1840s it was the largest and most important parish in the area. At one point it had more than 6000 parishioners including a lawyer named John S. Macdonald, who later became the first premier of Ontario in 1867. Macdonald's family home lies next to the land on which the church is built, land his family donated to allow its construction in the 1830s.

In August 1970, a fire, whose cause is unknown, left only the walls remaining. The site remains a monument to the faith and determination of the Scottish highlanders who came to the area. In 1974, the site was designated a historical landmark by the Ontario Heritage Foundation. Unfortunately the OHF has not done any work nor provided any funds to date.

In 1994 a local group calling themselves The Friends of the Ruins of St. Raphaels Inc formed a non-profit group dedicated to raising money to stabilize the walls of the Ruins. In 1999 the group raised $300,000 through private donations and government funding to stop erosion and water damage. Another $500,000 is still needed though.

3. Covered Bridge over Raisin

Very scenic covered bridge along the Raisin River. Located along County Road 17, 1km west of Williamstown.

Don(a)t know much about the history of this bridge. It was once used regularly until a new road and bridge was built on the other side of the river.

This bridge now sits on private property and No tresspassing signs are posted. There is room along the road side to stop and take photos of this wonderful glimpse from the past. Please respect the owners rights and stay off the bridge.