Settling In

Pioneering settlers had the task of building a community and society. The arrival of emigrants often led to the eviction of the established native population, but there were also cases of cultural contact and interaction. In the early days, poor communications and the absence of adequate roads, schools, and medical facilities were a real problem, especially in remote areas. Weather conditions, such as the combination of heat and humidity or extreme cold made emigrants more vulnerable to disease.

When the emigrant did get time off, the recreational facilities of the new country could be explored and new leisure activities developed. Scots took with them their own music and pastimes, and this is illustrated in the photographs taken by George Anderson. In this section, you can also find out about Alexander MacArthur who became involved in local politics and cultural activities after emigrating to Canada in the 1860s.