History of Compton, Québec, Canada

The first clearers settled in Compton towards the end of the 18th century, occupying land along the Coaticook River.
The first settlers, convinced of the agricultural potential of the place, gave it the name of a town in the county of Surrey, England.
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1802 - The township of Compton was erected by patent in 1802, when 26,460 acres were granted to Jesse Pennoyer, Esq., and several associates.

A Topographical Dictionary of The Province of Lower Canada by Joseph Bouchette, Esq., London, 1832

Around 1815, there were nearly 700 inhabitants in this territory. They were mainly English-speaking settlers and it was not until 1850 that French Canadians made their appearance.
In 1860, there were more than 3,000 souls in the canton. This growth is due in part to the inauguration of the Montreal-Portland railway line in 1853.
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1832 - COMPTON,
township, in the co. of Sherbrooke, joins Ascot N.W., Barnston and Barford S.E., Hatley S.W. and Clifton N.E. and is in no respect inferior to Ascot. In various parts it has many wide spreading but gentle rises of most excellent land thickly covered with pine, maple and beech timber of fine quality and large size. - Completely watered by the rivers Coaticook and Moose, the former connecting with Lake Tomefobi and both with the St. Francis, besides many less considerable streams near which are some fine breadths of luxuriant meadow and pasture. - An industrious population, about 1200 souls, inhabit numerous settlements on the banks of the rivers where most of the farms appear to be in a very thriving and excellent condition, generally producing crops of wheat of excellent consumption. Many large patches of land might be very beneficially employed in the culture of flax and hemp. The principal rivers work several mills and there are some manufacturies fo pot and pearl-ash. - Through... Read MORE...

1867 - Compton Centre
"Compton Centre - Township and county of Compton is pleasantly situated on rising ground on the east bank of the Coaticook River. The scenery surrounding the village is very picturesque. Distance from Sherbrooke 14 miles. A daily mail is received from Quebec, Montreal, Portland, and Boston ; weekly from Eaton and Clifton, a stage runs to and from Compton Station. There are three churches in the village, Church of England, Roman Catholic, and Methodist; an academy and district school. The farming lands are particularly good in the township. A carding mill is in constant operation ; and the tanneries.

The extensive cheese factory which was established little over a year ago by a Montreal firm is progressing rapidly, and doing a large and remunerative business. A Commissioners Court is held in the village. Estimated population of the township, 3,600 ; of the village about 300. Assessed value of Compton, $468,636."
The Eastern Townships Gazetteer and General Business Directory: A Commercial Directory and Guide to the Eastern Townships of Canada, Containing Also Much Useful Information of a Miscellaneous Character ... January 1, 1867 Smith & Company

1873
COMPTON, a county in the S.E. part of Quebec, bordering on the States of Maine and New Hampshire. It is traversed by the Grand Trunk railway, and watered by the Eaton River and a number of smaller streams. The lands in this county are rich in mineral and agricultural wealth. Area 833,490 acres. Capital, Cookshire. Pop. 13,665.

COMPTON, a thriving post village in Compton co., Que., on the Coaticook river, with a station on the G. T. R., 114 miles from Montreal, and 11 miles S.S.E. of Sherbrooke. It contains a telegraph office, 3 churches, 2 hotels, 7 stores, a ladies college, and a high school, and has a good trade in country produce and farm stock. Pop. 500.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1894 - Model farm
Compton has traditionally been a farming village and the breeding of dairy cows and other cattle. It should be noted that a model farm was created there by the Quebec government in 1894. This farm, which ceased operations in 1910, included a butter factory. At the time, Compton butter began to be exported to Australia.
grandquebec.com

1895 - Compton
COMPTON, a county in the south-east part of Quebec, bordering on the States of Maine and New Hampshire. It is traversed by the G. T. R., the C. P. R. and the Maine Central Ry., and watered by the Eaton River and a number of smaller streams. The lands in this county are rich in mineral and agricultural wealth. Area 833,490 acres. Capital, Cookshire. Pop. in 1891, 22,779.
Crossby, Peter Alfred. Lovell's gazetteer of British North America. (John Lovell & Son)., 1895

1895 - Compton
Compton, a post-village in Compton co., Quebec, on the Coaticook River, and on the Grand Trunk Railway, 114 1/ 2 miles E.S.E. of Montreal, and 11 miles S.S.E. of Sherbrooke. It has 3 churches, 2 hotels, 7 stores, a ladies' college, and a high school. Pop, 500.
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

1903 - August 12, 1903 - Senator Matthew Cochrane dies on his Québec estate at Compton
Boot and shoe manufacturer and the First of Alberta's cattle barons; founded the Cochrane Ranch Company in 1881 and got a 100,000 acre lease along the Bow River west of Calgary; a ranch later sold to the Mormon Church for colonization.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ August_12

1916
Compton, a post-village of Compton co., Quebec, on the Coaticook River and on the Grand Trunk R., 114 1/ 2 miles ESE. of Montreal. Pop. in 1901, 457.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Compton, Québec:
La Ruée Vers Gould: This is a must-visit attraction in Compton. It's a historical site that takes you back to the gold rush era of the Eastern Townships. You can explore the mining tunnels, see the old equipment, and learn about the town's gold mining history.

Comptonales Microbrewery: If you're a beer enthusiast, don't miss the chance to visit Comptonales Microbrewery. They offer a variety of craft beers, and you can take a tour of the brewery to see how they make their brews.

Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises: This nature reserve is just a short drive from Compton. It's a beautiful place for hiking and bird-watching. There are well-maintained trails that take you through wetlands and forests, and it's a great spot for photography.

Le Cep d'Argent Vineyard: Québec may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of vineyards, but Le Cep d'Argent is changing that perception. They produce sparkling wines using traditional methods. You can take a tour of the vineyard ... Read MORE...