History

History at a glance
Contribution of immigrants

History at a glance (Top)

The Mauricie's history is closely linked to the resources found on its territory. Its forests, its rich and fertile soils, its rivers and waterfalls have allowed the region to experience an economic and industrial boom, leading to the birth and expansion of the cities and towns that now dot its landscape. First settled by American Indians, the region was "discovered" by Laviolette in 1634, when he founded Trois-Rivières, making it Québec's second oldest city. With a thriving fur trade at the time, a trading post was established in Trois-Rivières the same year, because of its strategic location at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River. The city gradually developed a triple vocation that remained over time: a seat of government, a knowledge center, an industrial leader.

The Mauricie is known as the cradle of Québec industry, since a major iron ore deposit was discovered there in 1730, leading to the establishment of the Forges du Saint-Maurice, the first iron and steel industry in Canada. This industry was a driving force behind the region's economic expansion for more than 150 years. Then came the explosive development of hydroelectric power, when the potential of the region's waterfalls was harnessed. Very quickly, three major industries grew around these hydroelectric facilities: aluminum (the first smelter in Canada was actually in Shawinigan), pulp and paper and metallurgy. The commercial development of the Mauricie's forests and the arrival of major textile companies also contributed greatly to the buildup of an industrial labour force in the region. These industries have been the main thrust behind the region's economic development and subsequent urbanization, and they remain an integral part of this growth.

Contribution of immigrants (Top)

The contribution of immigrants has been an important component of our region's expansion over the years. These newcomers, whose hearts were in sync with the Mauricie's development, were philanthropists, investors, workers, merchants, entrepreneurs and even educators. The Mauricie has long been a welcoming place for immigrants from all over the world. Italians, Irish, Lebanese, British, Scots, Chinese, Greeks and many others have all contributed to the economic and social vitality of the region. A reading of the history of the region, especially of its large cities, shows a large multiethnic and multicultural presence between the 19th and 20th centuries.

It's interesting to discover that men and women pioneers from abroad have settled all over the Mauricie and made their own impact on our region. Specifically, streets and monuments bearing their names are a reflection of the heritage they have left us through the generations. For instance, the Hubert-Biermans Boulevard in Shawinigan was named after a Dutch immigrant who was the director of the Belgo Company and one of the city's founders. He was a great manager and philanthropist, and he made a deep impact on the history of Shawinigan. He looked after the health and well-being of his employees, for example by getting some housing units built to improve their living consitions in a community that would be named Belgoville. Also, he was very generous to the people of Shawinigan, specifically with donations to the city's kindergarten and employers' association.

Also, Hart street, in Trois-Rivières, bears the name of Ézékiel Hart, who was elected as MLA for Trois- Rivières in the 19th century, becoming the first Jew in the British Empire to hold that office. This Jewish family settled in Trois-Rivières in the 18th century and opened the door for large business operators and judges who have come to our city since then. For example, Ézékiel's father, Aaron, who was the first to settle in Trois-Rivières, quickly became a prominent businessman by opening a general store among other things.

In the Haut Saint-Maurice area, Ms. Annie Midlige, originally from Syria, made her mark early in the 20th century with her talent as a fur trader (the Hudson's Bay, Canada's oldest trading company, had to recognize her as a tough competitor). With determination and courage, she managed to create a flourishing business and she became identified as a pioneer of the Haut-Saint-Maurice.

Sources

Information about Hubert Biermans : André Vermeirre, Hubert Biermans; du Congo à Shawinigan, Les Éditions Septentrion, 2001 et Pierre Lanthier, « Être patron au Québec au début du XX^e siècle : trois essais biographiques », Revue d'histoire de l'Amérique française, volume 57, numéro 1, Été 2003.

Information about Ézékiel Hart : René Verrette, « Les rues de Trois-Rivières, leur origine et leur histoire » 1984. Trois-Rivières. Cahiers historiques 2. et UQTR, « Histoire et culture régionale du Québec » .

Information about Annie Midlige : Société d'histoire du Haut-Saint-Maurice.

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Where is the Mauricie?
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This site was created with financial support from the ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles du Québec,
the Conférence régionale des élus de la Mauricie and SADC Centre-de-la-Mauricie. See complete credits.