Trois-Rivières, meaning “Three Rivers” in French, is a city located in the Mauricie region of Quebec. Trois Riviered is on the AutoRoute 40 on the north bank of hte St Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City. It holds a significant place in Canadian history, having been one of the earliest European settlements in North America. The city preserves its historical heritage with sites like the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, reflecting its role in the early history of New France.
Trois Rivieres History
Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Atikamekw and Algonquin nations. The confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the Saint Lawrence River, where Trois-Rivières is located, was a vital meeting point for Indigenous peoples.
Trois-Rivières was founded in 1634 by Laviolette, a French explorer and fur trader who established a fur trading post at the confluence of the two rivers, taking advantage of the strategic location for the fur trade.
Trois Rivieres is one of the oldest cities in North America. The French government granted the seigneury of Trois-Rivières in 1634. The economic success of the city was closely tied to the fur trade industry, and it continued to prosper during the French colonial era.
In 1760, during the Seven Years’ War, Trois-Rivières came under British control after the Battle of Trois-Rivières. The British maintained the importance of Trois-Rivières as a trading and administrative center.
Over the 1800s, Trois-Rivières experienced industrialization, especially in logging, shipping, and shipbuilding industries.
Trois-Rivières thrived as a transportation hub, and retained its importance when railways connected to the port cities. It also became known for its pulp and paper industry, manufacturing, and as an educational and cultural center.