[6] Nearby Hamilton Island was the location of an early gristmill and sawmill built by two Americans, Thomas Mears and David Pattee,[7] around 1815.

The sawmill processed logs that were floated down the river after being cut, with much of the lumber being exported to England.

[11][14] Plans to build embankments that would have protected some properties were rejected by residents who did not want to live behind them.

[18][19] The house, built c.1835,[6] is the oldest building in Hawkesbury and was originally the office of John Hamilton who was later appointed to the Senate in the Canadian Confederation of 1867.

The monument features a fleur-de-lys, the symbol of the Francophonie, surrounded by a man and woman's hand and encircled by 13 maple leaf benches representing the Canadian provinces and territories.