The story of the American Revolution is often told through the lens of the Patriots who fought for independence. Yet thousands of colonists chose a different path. Known as the United Empire Loyalists, these men and women remained loyal to the British Crown during and after the Revolutionary War.
For many Loyalists, the end of the Revolution meant exile from the newly formed United States. Large numbers resettled in British North America—particularly in what is now Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia—where they helped lay the foundations of modern Canada.
The United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) exists to preserve the memory, history, and genealogies of these Loyalist families and their contributions to Canadian development.
Who Were the United Empire Loyalists?
The term “United Empire Loyalist” refers to American colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolutionary War and who either migrated to British North America or rendered substantial service to the Crown.
Loyalists came from many backgrounds, including:
- Farmers and merchants
- Military officers and soldiers
- Indigenous allies of the Crown
- Black Loyalists seeking freedom
- Clergy, government officials, and tradespeople
Following the war, tens of thousands relocated northward, often under extremely difficult conditions. Their settlements played a major role in the political, economic, and cultural development of early Canada.
Founding of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada
The United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada was founded in 1914 with the mission of preserving Loyalist history and encouraging genealogical research into Loyalist ancestry.
Today, the organization operates through branches across Canada and internationally, bringing together descendants, historians, and genealogists with an interest in Loyalist heritage.
The association works to:
- Preserve Loyalist records and stories
- Promote education about the Loyalist experience
- Support genealogical research
- Mark historic Loyalist sites and anniversaries
- Foster fellowship among descendants
Membership Eligibility
Membership in the UELAC is open to individuals who can document descent from a recognized United Empire Loyalist ancestor.
Qualifying ancestors generally include individuals who:
- Supported the British Crown during the American Revolution
- Served in Loyalist military units or civil roles
- Settled in British North America following the war
- Appeared on recognized Loyalist rolls or records
Applicants typically submit genealogical documentation proving lineal descent from a qualifying Loyalist ancestor. Once approved, descendants may use the post-nominal letters “UE”, a distinction historically associated with Loyalist descendants in Canada.
The Meaning of “UE”
One of the most distinctive aspects of Loyalist heritage is the use of the initials “UE”, standing for Unity of Empire.
The designation traces back to a 1789 proclamation by Lord Dorchester, Governor of Quebec, who sought to honor Loyalists for their loyalty to the Crown during the Revolution.
Today, many descendants proudly include the “UE” designation in genealogical and historical contexts as a symbol of their ancestral heritage.
Loyalists and the Making of Canada
The arrival of Loyalists dramatically reshaped British North America. Their influence included:
- Establishment of new settlements and towns
- Expansion of agriculture and trade
- Development of colonial government structures
- Strengthening British cultural and legal traditions in Canada
The Loyalist migration also contributed significantly to the eventual creation of:
- Ontario (formerly Upper Canada)
- New Brunswick as a separate colony
- Distinct Canadian political and cultural identities
For many historians, the Loyalist experience represents one of the defining moments in the early history of Canada.
Preserving Loyalist Genealogy and History
The United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada remains deeply involved in genealogical and historical preservation. The organization maintains:
- Loyalist ancestor directories
- Educational publications and journals
- Historical markers and commemorations
- Research assistance for descendants
Through these efforts, the association helps descendants reconnect with families whose lives were profoundly shaped by revolution, migration, and resettlement.
A Unique Heritage Organization
Unlike many American lineage societies that focus on Revolutionary patriotism, the UELAC preserves the stories of those who chose loyalty to Britain and helped create a distinctly Canadian future.
Their story serves as a reminder that the American Revolution was not experienced uniformly—and that its consequences extended far beyond the borders of the United States.
Sources and References
- United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) – Official Website
- UELAC Bicentennial Resources
- The Armorial Bearings of the UELAC, by Sir Conrad Swan
- The Canadian Heraldic Authority and the Loyalists, by John E Ruch, UE
Lineage Society History 
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