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The King's Royal Regiment of New York

This plaque commemorates the largest Loyalist corps raised during the American Revolution. And it was right here in Kingston.

Kingston City Hall at night (Photo: Destination Ontario)
Kingston City Hall at night
Photo: Destination Ontario
War and conflict Plaque

Location:

In Confederation Park, opposite the city hall, Ontario Street, Kingston

Themes:

War and conflict

Unveiling year:

1987

Part of this driving tour:

Military tour of downtown Kingston

Plaque text:

The largest Loyalist Corps in the Northern Department during the American Revolution, the King's Royal Regiment of New York was raised on June 19, 1776 under the command of Sir John Johnson. Originally composed of one battalion with ten companies, it was authorized to add a second battalion in 1780. The regiment, known as the "Royal Yorkers", participated in the bitter war fought on the colonial frontier. It conducted raids against settlements in New York and was also employed in garrison duty. When active campaigning ceased in 1783, the regiment assumed various responsibilities, notably the establishment of a base here, in preparation for the settlement of the Loyalists. It was then fully disbanded, its officers and men settling near New Johnstown (Cornwall) and in the Cataraqui townships.

Portrait of Sir John Johnson (Photo: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1938-34-1)
Portrait of Sir John Johnson
Photo: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1938-34-1