FERGUS – A new commemorative plaque to recognize Richard Pierpoint was unveiled in Fergus.
On Sunday afternoon a ceremony was held by Parks Canada and Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for the unveiling of plaque to commemorate the national historic significance of Richard Pierpoint (c.1744-c.1838).
The ceremony was held at the Fergus Grand Theatre.
In a news release, Parks Canada said Richard Pierpoint was enslaved for 20 years before freeing himself by fighting for the British as a Black Loyalist in two wars.
“The story of Richard Pierpoint is one of courage and tragedy, and as a historical figure he has become a well-known example of the efforts and the challenges faced by Black Loyalists living in Upper Canada in the late 1700s and early 1800s. By knowing his story, we can foster a better understanding of Canadian history, and it reminds us of the reasons we must continue to fight for equality and justice,” said a media release from Parks Canada.
The plaque will be installed at the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve at 255 Lamond Street in Fergus.
A report that went to Centre Wellington Council in September said the reserve was identified as the most suitable site to install the memorial plaque for the following reasons:
- Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve is within Richard Pierpoint’s land grant area.
- Proposed Heritage Property designation and culturally significant to Centre Wellington
- Existing storyboard onsite detailing Pierpoint history.
- Opportunity to share Pierpoint’s story through a dedicated site.
Meanwhile, at a September 27th council meeting, Centre Wellington Council gave staff the go ahead to begin the process to designate the “Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve” in Fergus as a significant cultural heritage landscape.
A privilege to sit in the audience this afternoon at the @CentrWellington #GrandTheatre as we commemorated the National Historic Significance of Richard Pierpoint (c.1744 – c.1838), who spent the latter part of his life in the Pierpoint Settlement, near what is now Fergus, ON. pic.twitter.com/Qa0OndvEZA
— Senator Rob Black (@SenatorRobBlack) October 1, 2023
