Thomas D'Arcy McGee, 1862 Photo: Ellisson & Co.
Library and Archives Canada C-21541
Funeral procession of the late Honourable Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Montreal, April 13, 1868 Photo: James Inglis
Library and Archives Canada C-083423
1825
Born on April 13 in Carlington, Ireland.
1847
Marries Mary Theresa Caffrey with whom
he has six children.
1848
Participates in an armed rebellion against
British rule and flees to the United States.
1848–1856
Embraces conservatism, Catholicism and
a career as a writer.
1857
Moves to Montreal, where he promotes Irish
interests through writing in The New Era.
Enters politics.
1862
Joins the Reform government in the Province
of Canada.
1864
Serves as Minister of Agriculture and Immigration
in the Conservative government of Sir John A. Macdonald. Through speaking tours in the
Maritimes and participation at the Charlottetown
and Quebec conferences, plays a nation-building role.
1867
Deteriorating relations with Macdonald lead
to his exclusion from the Dominion of Canada’s
first Cabinet.
1868
Is assassinated on April 7 in Ottawa and is given Canada’s first state funeral — a huge public
event in Ottawa and Montreal.
Convention at Charlottetown, P.E.I., of Delegates from the Legislatures of Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island to take into consideration the Union of the British North American Colonies, September 11, 1864 Photo: George P. Roberts
Library and Archives Canada C-000733
Wanted poster for the assassin of the Honourable Thomas D'Arcy McGee, April 7, 1868
Library and Archives Canada C-020565