Most Loyalists, that is, 80.4% of all refugees, settled in Nova Scotia (which, prior to 1784, included the territory of what is now New Brunswick and the island of Cape Breton), lured by the economic potential of the colony, its British common-law system, and the fact that it was English-speaking. Only 18% of them took up residence in the Province of Québec.

On This Date In 1783

• May 18, 1783 - Loyalists - The Spring Fleet brings 7,000 United Empire Loyalists, fleeing the American Revolution, to Parrtown at the mouth of the Saint John River to found a settlement.