Rawdon township '' (
Joshua Reynolds, 1790) The first European settlers in the Rawdon Township, Nova Scotia were
United Empire Loyalists who had to flee their homes in
Ninety Six, South Carolina. They first went east, taking refuge behind British lines in Charleston. About 501 Rawdon loyalists, as well as members of the 2nd American Regiment, were relocated from South Carolina to Nova Scotia in 1782 after the
American Revolution. Some of the troops who assisted Lord Rawdon in the
Siege of Ninety-Six were from the
84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants), as well as the 2nd American Regiment. After the American Revolution, many of the troops of the 84th Regiment and 2nd American Regiment settled in the neighbouring Township of Douglas (i.e.,
Kennetcook, Nova Scotia and the surrounding area). (The 1st and 2nd Battalions of
De Lancey's Brigade fought successfully from within the fort until the siege was lifted by Rawdon. The soldiers of the De Lancey's Brigade settled
Woodstock, New Brunswick.)
Abraham Cunard, the Loyalist merchant and father of shipping magnate
Samuel Cunard, retired to the Cunards' country home in Rawdon. He is buried at the St. Paul's graveyard in Centre Rawdon. In 1861, Rawdon Township became part of the newly formed Municipal District of East Hants, along with neighbouring townships.
Upper Rawdon Upper Rawdon was once known for the "Rawdon Picnic", a church fundraiser that happened on
Canada Day (Known as "Dominion Day" at the time). The picnics included baby parades, beauty contests, tug of war contests, carnival rides, church suppers and square dancing. The last Rawdon Picnic was held in 1975.
Centre Rawdon Abraham Cunard, the Loyalist merchant and father of shipping magnate
Samuel Cunard, retired to the Cunards' country home in Rawdon. He is buried at the St. Paul's graveyard in Centre Rawdon. ==References==