Cultural powerhouse, storied city turns 375: In Photos
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Digital Reporter
Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 10:12 AM - On May 17, 375 years ago, one of Canada’s oldest cities was founded along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau marked the anniversary with Montreal mayor Denis Coderre and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard at Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal Wednesday morning.
Events this evening include the The Bonne fête Montréal show at the Bell Centre, Montréal Avudo multimedia show at the King Edward Quay (8:30 p.m.) and the illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge .
Must-see: Scroll down for a collection of photos showcasing the beauty of Montreal.
Montreal is the second most populous city in Canada, and is home to over four million people. It has the largest population of French speakers in the world outside of Paris, France. It is a hub of Francophone culture in North America, and has no shortage of museums, art galleries, and universities with artifacts and works from around the globe.
It is considered one of the liveliest cities in North America, with a rich arts and music scene. It hosts large music festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival, POP Montreal, and Osheaga Music and Arts Festival.
Montreal is a popular stop for travellers who want see picturesque historical sites just steps away from a bustling cityscape. Some of the city’s most popular spots include the Montreal Biodome, Parc Jean Drapeau, and Place des Arts.
Montreal is home to the oldest professional hockey team in the world, the Montreal Canadiens. The team has won the Stanley Cup more than any other team in the National Hockey League.
The Montreal Expos were the first Canadian Major League Baseball team, but were relocated to Washington in 2004.
Aside from its rich culture, Montreal has a lengthy history.
It is believed that the St. Lawrence Iroquoians first lived on the island. In 1535, Jacques Cartier voyaged to Canada for the second time, sailing westward through the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He continued to the village of Hochelaga, the site of what is now Montreal. The St. Lawrence Iroquoians had largely disappeared from the area by the late 16th Century, preceding the establishment of Quebec City by Samuel de Champlain in 1608.
On May 17, 1642, Ville Marie was founded on the site of what is now Montreal by missionaries Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance, who aimed to bring Christianity to the Iroquois.
In 1760, British forces conquered Montreal during the Seven Years’ War. The city continued to be a major centre for the fur trade, dominated locally by the North West Company, though the Hudson’s Bay Company also operated from the city.
The American Army briefly seized Montreal during the American Revolution in the 1700s, aiming to bring French Canada onto the side of the Thirteen Colonies. The invasion was ultimately a failure.
The city continued to play a crucial role in Canada. By 1820, Montreal had a larger population than the Quebec countryside, and served as the capital of the United Provinces of Canada from 1844 to 1849.
The city was the economic capital of the country until 1960, when Toronto took its place.
The city hosted the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, or Expo ‘67. The event is considered one of the most successful world fairs of the 20th Century.
See the best shots of this storied city below.
Source: Canadian Encyclopedia | GEOS Montreal | [Thumbnail Image Source]
