Varennes is a town located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, Canada. Varennes is just off the AutoRoute 30 Montreal South Bypass. Its history is intertwined with the broader historical developments of the region, from its Indigenous roots to its role in the French colonial era and subsequent evolution into a modern community. Here’s an overview of the history of Varennes:
Varennes History
Before European settlement, the area around Boucherville was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Mohawk and Algonquin who traded and travelled along the St Lawrence.
French explorers and settlers arrived and the land that would become Varennes was part of the seigneurie of Varennes, granted in 1672
With the British conquest of New France in 1760, the region came under British control. Varennes continued to be an agricultural community, and the development of transportation, including roads and later railways, contributed to its growth.
Over the 19th century, Varennes industrialized with the establishment of mills and other industries.
Like many communities near Montreal, in the 1900s Varennes underwent modernization and urbanization in the 20th century. Improved transportation infrastructure, including highways, facilitated commuting, and the town transformed into a suburban community.
Varennes is home to the Hydro-Québec Research Centre, which focuses on energy-related research and development. This institution has contributed to Varennes’ reputation as a hub for innovation.
In summary, Varennes’ history reflects the broader historical patterns of Quebec, transitioning from Indigenous lands to French seigneurie, and subsequently experiencing economic diversification, industrialization, and suburbanization. The town’s journey is marked by its connection to the St. Lawrence River, its agricultural heritage, and its role in the economic and cultural life of the region.