Williamstown was settled in 1784, making it one of the oldest towns in the province. It is part of Charlottenburg Township, one of eight Royal Townships established in this area in the 1780s. The first European settlers were United Empire Loyalists - British subjects leaving the rebellious 13 colonies to the south and settling north of the St. Lawrence River. They were led by Sir John Johnson, who was instrumental in obtaining this land for the loyliasts.
As you enter Williamstown, you will see the Raisin River meandering through town. Waterways such as this were critical for the early settlers. They were a source of water for the people, andimals and crops as well as a source of power for mills. And they were the primary, perhaps only, corridors of transportation.
The town has a walking and driving tour on their website at https://www.williamstown.ca .
