First settled in 1785, Brockville is a Loyalist community. As the eighteenth century drew to a close, thousands of individuals (United Empire Loyalists) who were loyal to the British Crown traveled north to Upper Canada, escaping the American Revolution to the south.

The vast majority of Upper Canada was neither cleared nor settled. The many rivers were the basic mode of transportation and the United Empire Loyalists (EUL) built their new communities along the banks of these navigation routes.

Many towns were established along the St. Lawrence River, among them present day Brockville at the eastern gateway to the Thousand Islands region.

Originally named Buell's Bay, after founder William Buell, the settlement was later known as Elizabethtown. In 1812, the settlement changed its name to Brockville to honour Sir Isaac Brock, the hero of the War of 1812. Brockville became Ontario's first incorporated city in 1832. The city has the unique distinction of possessing an authentic coat of arms, and is one of the very few North American cities with its own flag.

Industry played an important role in the development of the City of Brockville. Brockville's first industrialist was Sir Daniel Jones who built a saw mill on Buell's Creek in partnership with William Buell. Other early industries included: tanneries, saddle-makers, tinsmiths and shipbuilders.

Brockville grew rapidly in the first half of the nineteenth century. The city's excellent location on the river and the establishment of the Grand Trunk Railroad enabled small business in the area to easily export their finished goods. Large businesses lined the riverfront: among them were the McNaughton Brewery, the R.P. Coulton Foundry and the James Smart Manufacturing Company.

The city of Brockville flourished, King Street which parallels the waterfront boasted nine hotels as well as many shops and banks.

By the mid twentieth century, most of the industrial element of the waterfront had moved to the northern sector of the city. Today, the city's historic waterfront area retains its charming character— with shops, restaurants and residential areas. The City of Brockville is proud to be an enticing place to enjoy the river and the attractions in the Thousand Islands.