A monumental task accomplished by truly remarkable people.

The village of Richmond was established in 1818. This scene illustrates the clearing of the original Richmond Road through dense forest and undergrowth from Richmond Landing on the Ottawa River, to the Jock River (called at that time the "Goodwood") at its closest - a distance of approximately 20 miles. The work was done by 400 discharged officers and soldiers of England's 99th (100th) Regiments led by officers of the Royal Engineers following the War of 1812. They landed on the Ottawa River at Richmond Landing, below Chaudière Falls in mid-August; set up their families in camps at what is now LeBreton Flats, cut 20 miles of road, and built shelters to withstand a Canadian winter 3 miles up river at the Richmond settlement - all before Christmas! Shown here are the working officers and men, the Chapman settlement, tents to shelter workers, horses hauling logs and brush to be burned and a piece of "corduroy road" - trees laid down across the road in swampy areas.

Mural Depicts: The landing of the first settlers in Richmond Military Settlement off the Jock River to construct and build the initial settlement.

This mural depicts the artist’s conception of the Richmond Settlement of 1825. Centered around the intersection of Strachan and Cockburn Streets, the original settlement used the Jock River as “Main Street,” with boats, rafts, canoes and barges of all sorts moving people and supplies up and down the river. The Mill Landing was likely in this area, with the Government Depot and Stores first built in 1818 (showing round logs and scooped-log roof construction, lower right).

The largely self-sufficient settlers built numerous cabins and outbuildings, grew vegetables and crops, kept cows for milk and butter, raised sheep, pigs, rabbits and chickens for food, and set up trades and businesses, usually at their residences (showing squared-log construction, upper centre). By 1825, there was a School and Town Hall (showing frame buildings, upper right); and the Duke of Richmond Inn, St. John’s Anglican Church, St. Philip’s Catholic Church, and the Lyon’s Grist Mill, Lumber Mill and Distillery complex at Ottawa and Foorance [likely “Fournace”] (upper left).

In 1822, the population of Richmond was 2,434. With hundreds of original military settlers clearing land and constructing buildings, and hundreds of immigrants settling or passing through continuously, it was a busy place indeed.

Mural Depicts: The growth and state of the Richmond Military Settlement in 1825 after approximately 7 years of settlement.

Mural Depicts: The Dominion Day Parade in Richmond marking the Confederation of Canada on July 1st, 1867. The mural features Maria Hill - one of the first significant settlers of Richmond - waving from the wagon.

Mural Depicts: The Richmond Fair at “Goodwood Park” (the previous name of the Carleton/Richmond Agricultural Society’s fairgrounds) in the early twentieth century circa 1915.

Mural Depicts: Scenes, people, events, sports etc. that illustrate the history of Richmond to mark its 200th Anniversary since its founding in 1818.

Mural Depicts: Richmond’s tradition of military service in World Wars. It highlights some notable local residents being honoured for their military service and achievements during wartime for Canada.