On July 1, 1867 the Craigflower settlers and the new nation celebrated the first Dominion Day -- now a national holiday called Canada Day.

A conference was held in London, England, in December 1866 chaired by Sir John A. Macdonald.

In London, Confederation was given its final form and the name "Dominion of Canada" was chosen for the new nation.

The British North America Act was passed on May 8, 1867.

Confederation was to come into effect on July 1, 1867.

Sir John A. Macdonald was to become the Prime Minister of Canada.

On July 1,1867 the new Dominion was busy celebrating Confederation -- church bells rang, 21-gun salutes were fired, and picnics and fireworks lit up the night.