Julie Boulianne and Laurie Therrien, eal estate brokers at Sutton Alliance. We're pleased to share this information about the historic heritage of the town in which you're about to buy a property.
The history of Trois-Rivières is intimately linked to the lives of its current inhabitants. Founded in 1634 by the French, Trois-Rivières is one of the oldest cities in Quebec and Canada. It has survived the centuries, leaving indelible traces on its built heritage, culture and identity. Its strategic location between Montreal and Quebec City has made it an important social, commercial and industrial crossroads.
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Wood processing in Trois-Rivières: a historical pillar
Over the centuries, Trois-Rivières grew from a modest trading post to a prosperous municipality, thanks in part to the maritime industry and a thriving commercial port. In the 19th century, industrialization transformed Trois-Rivières into a major manufacturing center for textiles, paper, metallurgy and wood processing. Thanks to the presence of the Saint-Maurice River, which facilitated the transportation of wood, the forestry industry was a key factor in the municipality's growth.
The beginnings of the forest industry
XVIIth century: The first settlers were already exploiting forest resources for building and heating.
XVIIIth century: The development of New France favored logging, mainly to meet the needs of the metropolis.
The height of industry
XIXth century: The construction of sawmills and the arrival of the railroad mark a new era for the forestry industry. Trois-Rivières became a major lumber production center.
XXth century: The paper industry takes off, thanks to the presence of major companies like Canadian International Paper. The town became a major player in pulp and paper production.
Processing techniques
Drave: For a long time, wood was transported on rivers using the “drave”, a technique that consisted of building up the waterways to float the logs.
Sawing: Sawmills transformed logs into planks and other lumber products.
Paper mill: Pulp and paper mills used chemical processes to transform wood into pulp, then into paper.
Today's wood industry
With the depletion of forest resources and international competition, the traditional forestry industry suffered a major decline. At the turn of the 20th century, the town turned its attention to other sectors. In addition to traditional industries, the service sector expanded, including retail, tourism and education. As in many regions of Quebec, the city has also seen growth in the information technology sector. Finally, it is home to a number of healthcare establishments, medical research centers and health-related educational institutions.
Lumber and wood products are still produced, but using more environmentally-friendly methods.
A heritage that tells the story
Architecture: Numerous historic buildings, such as Vieux Trois-Rivières, bear witness to the city's architectural evolution since New France. These buildings, often restored and showcased, are an integral part of the urban landscape and contribute to the city's unique character.
Historical sites: The town is home to several heritage sites, such as the Forges du Saint-Maurice, a reminder of its industrial past. These sites are living witnesses to history, offering residents a direct link to their past.
The 5 most popular historic sites
The old Trois-Rivières prison
The prison is in excellent condition and is one of the city's most popular attractions. The area around the prison also offers superb photo opportunities.
Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary
Catholic Marian pilgrimage site located at Cap-de-la-Madeleine, a sector of Trois-Rivières in Quebec. Standing on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and welcomes over 500,000 pilgrims and visitors from all over the world every year.
Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site
Located at 10,000 boulevard des Forges, near the Saint-Maurice River, this site is a vestige of the industry of New France. Stop by to discover memorabilia from Canada's first smelting industry, and admire metal parts made at the Forges in the past.
La Maison Hertel-De La Fresnière
Located on rue des Ursulines in Trois-Rivières. This national historic house houses an art gallery, a craft store and a small museum with temporary exhibitions. It was designated a heritage building in 1961.
Lumberjack's Village
Located 60 kilometers from Trois-Rivières, north of Shawinigan, in the Grandes-Piles area. This gives you an idea of the route that tens of thousands of logs took down the Saint-Maurice River to Trois-Rivières. A visit to the Village du bûcheron is an opportunity to discover how the Mauricie region and all of Quebec developed through the forestry industry. It's also an opportunity to see how people lived in the forest in the early days of colonization, how wood was floated down the river, and how the raw material was processed in towns and villages.
Discover other interesting articles about the city of Trois-Rivières
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