History of Drummondville, Québec, Canada

1816 - The settlement of Drummondville was commenced in 1816, during the administration of Sir George Drummond.

1817 - Parish of St-Frédéric-de-Drummondville is established

Le Programme de recherche en démographie historique - Univeriste de Montreal

1826 - Drummondville destroyed by fire June 22, 1826

1832 - The Parish of Drummondville
extends over the township of Wickham as well as Grantham and contains two churches, both situated in the village of Drummondville: one is attended by members of the Church of England and the other by Roman Catholics. The village is on the R. St. Francis and was built under the direction of Lieut.-Col. Heriot, C.B. for the accommodation of disbanded veterans. It was destroyed by fire June 22, 1826. Its chief trade is in grain and pot and pearl ashes; it carries on an extensive traffic with Sorel as well as with neighbouring townships and those more to the interior to the south. It contains 2 schools, one public and the other private, in each of which 20 scholars are instructed. The settlement of Drummondville was commenced in 1816, during the administration of Sir George Drummond. It is particularly indebted to Col. Heriot, member of the provincial parliament for the co. of Drummond, for its original establishment and progressive advancement. That gentleman has been at considerable... Read MORE...

1837 - December 11 - Upper Canada Rebellion
Militiaman Thomas Runchey raises a corps of Africans out of the 400 black residents of Niagara; a company of 50 men is in arms by December 15, 1837, under the command of James Sears. A second African company is later raised in Niagara under Hugh Eccles, and the two will be joined to together to form the Coloured Corps with a combined strength of about 130 men. The unit will guard the frontier from Chippewa, Ontario to Drummondville, Québec during that winter. In the summer of 1838, Runchey runs off with the money due to his men and flees to the US.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ December_11

1856 - Église de Saint-François-d’Assise established at Drummondville

www.gcatholic.org

1873
DRUMMOND, a county of the province of Quebec, in the interior, comprising an area of 398,119 acres. The St. Francis River passes through this county. Chief town, Drummondville East. Pop. 14,281.

DRUMMONDVILLE EAST, the chief town of the co. of Drummond, Que., on the St. Francis River, 24 miles from Melbourne. The district court of the county is held here. It has a telegraph office, 2 hotels and 8 stores. Pop. 400.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1890 - Drummondville
"Drummondville East, tn., Quebec. chief twn. Drummond co., on St Francis R.. 34 m. W. of Melbourne. P. 900"
The Pocket Atlas and Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada
John George Bartholomew John Murdoch Harper January 1, 1890 London : J. Walker

1895 - Drummondville East
Drum'mondville East, the chief town of Drummond co, Quebec, on the St. Francis River, and on a railway, 24 miles N.W. of Melbourne. It has 2 hotels and several stores. Pop. 400.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Drummondville, or Drummondville East, the chief town of Drummond co., Quebec, on the St. Francis River and on the Canadian Pacific and the Intercolonial Rs., 24 miles NW. of Melbourne. Pop. in 1901, 1450.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1936 - Église de Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf established at Drummondville

www.gcatholic.org

1945 - February 24, 1945 - World War II - Mob in Drummondville attacks Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Provost Corps body
searching for conscript soldier absentees and NMRA draft dodgers; fighting rages for several hours, with many injuries on both sides.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ February_24

Drummondville
Drummondville, Qué, City, pop 46 599 (2001c), 44 882 (1996c), 43 171 (1991c), area 71.44 km2, inc 1875, is located on the Rivière Saint-Francois, a tributary of the St Lawrence River, in the St Lawrence Lowland, 100 km southeast of Montréal. In 1815 Major General Frederick G. Heriot installed an agricultural military camp on the site at the request of the colonial administrator, Sir Gordon Drummond, who feared an American invasion. The Abenaki called the site "the big waterway."

Originally settled by English soldiers and French settlers, it became a focal point for people because it was easy to cross the river at the foot of the falls. Potash manufacturing was the town's first economic activity. Later, the post-Confederation era brought industrialization with the development of sawmills, tanneries, forges, railways, hydroelectric plants and cement factories. In 1915, during WWI, a factory manufacturing "smokeless gunpowder" opened and transformed the town's economy. However, real... Read MORE...

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Drummondville:
Village Québécois d'Antan:

Start your journey with a trip to this living history museum. It's like stepping back in time with its period buildings, costumed interpreters, and traditional activities. Great for families and history buffs.

Le Village Québécois d'Antan Ice Cream Parlor:

Right within the village, indulge in some delicious, old-fashioned ice cream. Perfect for a sweet treat on a warm day.

Maison des arts Desjardins:

If you're into the arts, this cultural center is a must-visit. It hosts various performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. Check the schedule to catch a show or explore the local art scene.

Le Centre de la Nature:

Nature lovers, rejoice! This park is a great place for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or even some bird watching. The greenery is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle.

Popular Restaurants:

Drummondville has a burgeoning culinary scene. Explore local eateries like Le Rond Coin, Le Saint-Georges, or ... Read MORE...