Cornwall was settled by loyalist soldiers in 1784. The town thrived in the fertile region on the shores of the St. Lawrence and today remembers its heritage at the Cornwall Community Museum and in the heritage buildings decorating Cornwall's streets. Located only 100 km (62 mi) from Ottawa, Cornwall is one of Ontario's gateways to the U.S.A., as New York is only a short distance away across the Seaway International Bridge. With the St. Lawrence on its doorstep and a large marina, boaters use Cornwall extensively to explore and fish local waterways. The city is also a regional arts centre. The Cornwall Regional A rt Gallery displays regional artists while the Glen Theatre Productions Society stages plays with local talent. For nature lovers and birdwatchers, preserved wetlands such as the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area are a magnetic draw for migratory swans and geese as they fly through and shelter more sedentary species the rest of the year.