L'Orignal, Ontario is a charming Franco-Ontarian village nestled in eastern Ontario, Canada. Once a standalone municipality, it is now part of the Champlain Township. As of 2016, the village was home to 1,450 residents. The name L'Orignal, which translates to "Moose" in English, is believed to have been derived from its location on the Ottawa River, once known as Pointe à l'Orignal or "Moose Point," where moose were known to cross the river.
The history of L'Orignal, Ontario dates back to 1674 when the Company of New France granted the Seigneurie de L'Orignac (later renamed the Seigneurie de Longueuil) to François Prévost. This was one of the two seigneuries that the King of France granted in present-day Ontario, the other being La Salle's Seigneurie de Cataraqui (now Kingston).
In 1763, as part of New France, the area was ceded to Great Britain. During the creation of Upper Canada (Ontario) and Lower Canada (Quebec) in 1791, the seigneurie was assigned to Upper Canada.
In 1798, Nathan Treadwell, a resident of Plattsburgh, New York, purchased 230,000 acres of seigneurial land. However, the government confiscated the property during the War of 1812, only to return it to his son in 1823.
L'Orignal, Ontario was chosen as the district town for the Ottawa District in 1816. The Ottawa District Courthouse, built in L'Orignal in 1825, is still in use today. The decommissioned L'Orignal Jail has been transformed into a museum, adding to the historical charm of the village.
L'Orignal Parish, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the first Catholic parish in Prescott County. The village was incorporated in 1876 and amalgamated into Champlain Township in 1997 as one of four wards. Today, L'Orignal serves as the county seat of Prescott and Russell United Counties.
According to Statistics Canada, the former village of L'Orignal, Ontario spans a total area of 5.68 square kilometres (2.19 sq mi). It is situated at 45 degrees 37' N and 74 degrees 41' W, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Whether you're a history enthusiast or a nature lover, L'Orignal, Ontario promises a unique and enriching experience.
