Greater Napanee is a town in southeastern Ontario, Canada, approximately west of Kingston and the county seat of Lennox and Addington County. It is located on the eastern end of the Bay of Quinte. Greater Napanee municipality was created by amalgamating the old Town of Napanee with the townships of Adolphustown, North and South Fredericksburg, and Richmond in 1999. Greater Napanee is co-extensive with the original Lennox County.
The town is home to the Allan Macpherson House, a historic 1826 property that is now a museum. Macpherson was a major in the Lennox militia, operated the town's grist and saw mills, as well as the distillery and general store. He served as post master and land agent, operated the first local printing press and helped fund the establishment of many local schools and churches. The home sits on the banks of the Napanee River, which runs through the town.
The largest employer is a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company passenger car tire plant (opened in 1988).
The main streets are Dundas Street (east–west) and Centre Street (north–south). Dundas Street is part of former provincial Highway #2, also known as Kingston Road, and travels through downtown from Toronto in the west and onward to Kingston in the east. Centre Street travels through the centre of the town from the modern commercial area close to Highway 401 to the downtown and onwards, as County Road 8 to Lake Ontario.
History
The first recorded settlement in the area of Greater Napanee is Ganneious, an Iroquois village, settled temporarily by the Oneida from approximately 1660 to 1690. The village was located on or near the Hay Bay area and is one of seven Iroquois villages settled on the northern shores of Lake Ontario in the 17th century. The exact location of the village has not been determined.
The area was settled by Loyalists in 1784 and Napanee was first incorporated in 1854. The first Loyalists settlers arrived at Adolphustown on June 15, 1784. Their landing spot and site of the first Loyalist cemetery in the area has been preserved by the Loyalists.
The town developed at the site of a waterfall, the head of navigation, on the Napanee River where early industry could utilize the power potential of the river. The river transported logs from the interior north of the town. Sawmilling, gristmilling and other farm service industries were established. Napanee was first known as Clarksville after Robert Clark, who built a grist mill there.
Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, practised law in Napanee.
Historical sites
Allan Macpherson House: (c. 1826) Built for Allan Macpherson, agent for the influential Richard Cartwright family, the house is a Georgian design with neo-classical elements (note the entrance's rectangular transom and radiating muntin bars). The Lennox and Addington Historical Society restored the house to its early 19th century elegance. It now operates as a museum. Old Hay Bay Church: (c. 1792) Situated in Adolphustown, Canada's oldest surviving Methodist Church was created in 1792. It now operates as a museum but still hosts an annual service in August. County of Lennox & Addington Museum and Archives: (c.1864) The changing exhibits displayed at the Museum allow visitors to step into the County's past, while the papers and documents found in the reading room of the Archives inspire guests to dive into their own family's history as well as the Town's. The Museum also hosts many events for people of all ages to enjoy. UEL Heritage Park Centre and Park: (c. 1784) Located at the place where the first United Empire Loyalists landed, this heritage site is now a museum and camping ground perfect for all ages. Loyalist Memorial Church: This church, located in Adolphustown, was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first landing of the United Empire Loyalists. Services are still held at this site on Sundays. Town of Greater Napanee Town Hall: (c. 1856) Designed by architect, Edward Horsey, this structure was built as a town hall and market combination in the centre of Napanee.
Napanee's downtown core (along Dundas Street) is also lined with historical buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Town of Greater Napanee's Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour provides locations and information on these sites as well as other historical locations nearby.
Annual town events
Some annual events are the Napanee Riverfront Festival and the Multicultural Festival, Music By The River, the Scarecrow Festival, the Downtown Shopping Party and the Big Bright Light Show, as well as an annual art exhibition and sale in Conservation Park, Art in the Park. Napanee also hosts a bi-weekly Hometown Market in the summer months.