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The Missiquoi Triangle -- the perfect route for a perfect day in the Eastern Townships.
Stroll back through history and learn about Missisquoi County
Missisquoi County is located in the picturesque Eastern Townships of Quebec. One of the loveliest regions in Quebec, Missisquoi has a long and distinguished history. Once the region of Abenaki Indian hunting and fishing grounds, it was settled at the close of the American Revolution by United Empire Loyalists many of whom had been members of the "King's Loyal Americans" (Jessup's Rangers) or with the "Sir John Johnson's King's Royal Regiment of New York".
The "Loyalists" who moved into Quebec in 1782 established themselves at the head of Lake Champlain in the vicinity of Missisquoi Bay. By 1784, most of the men had gathered their families together in this region and on the seigneuries to the west known as Caldwell's Manor and Christie's Manor. As soon as the government knew about the presence of these Loyalists, they were ordered to remove immediately to another locality. Upon their refusal to move, their names were struck off lists of those receiving government assistance and all aid was withdrawn. Thus began a steady protest from the Loyalists to the Governor of Quebec requesting clear title to the lands around Missisquoi Bay. The petitions and the written responses by government officials to the Loyalists make this particular history of the Loyalists in Canada very unique. The Missisquoi Bay Loyalists (1782-1797) were "squatters" and no doubt an annoyance to the government at the time. On February 7, 1792, a Royal Proclamation stated that the Crown Lands of the frontier in Quebec were to be surveyed into Townships and the land granted to settlers was to be held according to British tradition. It was this specific proclamation, which initiated the beginnings of the Eastern Townships.
TODAY, over two hundred years after its founding, Missisquoi County and in particular the Missisquoi Triangle, hums with activity. The Triangle's attractions include the historic Missisquoi Museum, the Route des Vins with some of the best wines in Quebec grown right within the Triangle, the beautiful villages of Frelighsburg, Dunham and Stanbridge East, our galleries and antique shops, wonderful restaurants, beautiful farmland and agricultural products for sale. Come to the many special events held throughout the year including the Missisquoi Museum's annual "Apple Pie Festival", Dunham's "La Clé des Champs", and art festivals including the "Tournée des 20" and "Festiv'Art de Frelighsburg"! Take a bike ride through the countryside, or a boat along the Pike River. A short drive along the scenic Missisquoi Triangle leads to beautiful vistas and local gems waiting to be discovered. Our region attracts thousands of visitors who stroll the old New England style village streets, enjoy the comforts of our charming bed and breakfast homes, and dine in our many varied restaurants, and, if even for a little while, journey back in time to a more leisurely time - the age of the Loyalists!
Let's explore the village of Stanbridge East before starting out on Missisquoi Triangle Tour.
Triangle Intro | History | Stanbridge East | Frelighsburg | Dunham
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