About Newburgh

Community of Newburgh: Past and Present

Newburgh is a picturesque and historic village of about 700 people. It is located in a valley along the Napanee River, and is about 30 minutes from Kingston, 10 minutes from Napanee and around 35 minutes from Belleville, the three largest and closest centres.

Newburgh was first settled in 1820 by the sons and daughters of United Empire Loyalists. The site for the village was originally chosen because of the fast – flowing rapids and waterfalls along this stretch of the river, which were strong enough to power the waterwheels of the soon–to–be–constructed mills. Only a few years later there was a thriving village in the hollow of the valley, informally known as “Rogues’ Hollow”, although no – one nowadays is quite sure of the origin of the nickname. By 1839 the Newburgh Academy, one of the earliest schools in Upper Canada, had been founded. Shortly thereafter, in 1841, the Wesleyan Methodist Church was first established. The original wooden structure was replaced in 1858 by a limestone building which is now home to Newburgh United Church. In 1887 the village suffered through a devastating fire which destroyed much of the downtown area. Many of the original frame buildings were replaced with brick and limestone structures but in parts of the village some of the original frame structures remain.

Although an incorporated village and a distinct political entity, Newburgh became part of Stone Mills Township during the widespread amalgamation of municipalities in the 1990’s. The inhabitants of Newburgh are justifiably very proud of the historic and scenic character of their village. In fact, two books have been published about the village: Rogue’s Hollow – The story of the Village of Newburgh Ontario through its buildings (1983) and Old Newburgh Academy 1939 - 1965 (1977).