From battle-hardened veterans...

Following the success of their earlier military settlement scheme at Perth, the British government was eager to encourage British soldiers to remain in Canada. Settlement was a practical means of insuring a loyal presence in the colony in case of an American attack, and also provided the men with a livelihood at a time of overpopulation and economic disparity in Great Britain.

After the Battle of Chippawa, the 100th Regiment travelled up the St. Lawrence River from Southern Ontario to England’s central command post in Quebec City. Upon its arrival, the regiment was disbanded, and each soldier was offered the choice of either returning home or free land in the newly surveyed Goulbourn Township. The majority of the men and many of the officers (who would continue on half pay) accepted the Crown’s generous offer, and were transported with their families up the Ottawa River to Richmond Landing, a point below the Chaudière Falls. After an encampment was set up under canvas, the men cleared a road from Richmond landing through to Bell's Corners, and then south to Chapman's Ranch on the Jock River, where a store house was built. Meanwhile, French-Canadian woodsmen employed by Philomen Wright were engaged in building accommodations at the future site of Richmond. Under the superintendency of Captain Burke, the 100th Regiment soldiers were discharged, their pensions awarded, and location tickets were distributed. The change from service to civilian life was complete, giving way to the daunting task of clearing virgin forests to establish homes and farms.