History of Windsor, Québec, Canada

In 1800, Governor General Prescott ceded a piece of land to Joseph Brown to thank him for having served the country.
The settlers then gave their village the name of Lower Brompton. In 1802, the township of Windsor was formed during the formation of the eastern townships of Lower Canada. The following year, two mills were built at the confluence of the Saint-François and Watopeka rivers.
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1832 - WINDSOR,
township, in the co. of Sherbrooke, lies between Shipton and Stoke, and is bounded N.E. by Wotton; S.W. by the R. St Francis. This is a fine tract of land, the soil excellent ans so happily varied that almost every kind of agricultural produce may be grown, particularly hemp and flax. The surface is undulated by moderate elevations that are well clothed with maple, beech, birch, and fir-trees of good size; on the flat lands ash and cedar prevail. A few swamps occur here and there, but they are of so trifiing a depth as to be drained with very little trouble, and might be converted into excellent meadows. - Watered by two large streams and several small ones running into the St. Francis. - Notwithstanding the superior excellence of the land, this township is badly settled; but the whole has been granted to the officers and privates of the Canadian militia, who served in 1775 and 6; it was intended as some compensation for their past services, but scarcely any of them were inclined to... Read MORE...

Development was assured with the arrival in 1852 of the Montreal-Sherbrooke railway, served by the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railway Co.
Three years later, the first chemical pulp mill in Canada was built in Windsor and, in 1864, the first powder magazine in the country was inaugurated.
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1867 - Windsor Mills
"Windsor Mills

Windsor active manufacturing villlage on the line of the Grand Trunk Railway, in the Township of Windsor, Richmond County. It is 14 miles from Sherbrooke and 10 from Richmond. The St. Francis River at this point affords an unrivalled water power, which is being rapidly and practically utilised. There are now in operation at this point, three saw mills, one grist mill, an extensive establishment for the manufacture of paper from wood, owned by Messrs Angus & Logan of Montreal, which gives employment to upwards of 100 hands ; and a large powder fac tory capable of turning out 16,000 kegs superior blasting and other powder yearly. The village contains two churches, a school, &c, and is rapidly growing in wealth and population. The inhabitants are mainly of English descent. The country about is well adapted for agricultural pursuits."
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
WINDSOR MILLS, a flourishing post village in Richmond co., Que., on the River St. Francis, and on the G. T. R., 84 miles S.E. of Montreal, 14 miles N. of Sherbrooke. It has unrivalled water power privileges, All I contains a large paper mill, a powder factory, 5 saw mills, 1 grist mill, a telegraph office,2 churches, and about 6 stores. Pop. 325.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

Around 1876, Michel Cloutier, a French-Canadian settler, acquired a lot, followed by other French Canadians.

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1879 - Église de Saint-Philippe established at Windsor

www.gcatholic.org

1895 - Windsor Mills
Windsor Mills, a post-village in Richmond co., Quebec, on the river St. Francis, and on the Grand Trunk Rail way, 865 miles S.E. of Montreal, and 14 miles N. of Sherbrooke. It has unrivalled water-power, a large paper-mill, a powder-factory, 5 saw-mills, a grist-mill, 2 churches, and about 6 stores. Pop. 325.
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

Even though the city was incorporated in 1899, the first settlers settled there a hundred years earlier, coming from the United States (before colonization, there were Abenaki camps scattered throughout the territory).

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Incidents in powder magazines being commonplace at the time, the city of Windsor was no exception and, on July 16, 1901, the powder magazine of the Hamilton Powder Company exploded, causing great damage and a dozen deaths.

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1906
Windsor Mills, a banking post-town and outport of Richmond co., Quebec, on the river St. Francis and on the Grand Trunk R., 86 miles SE. of Montreal. It has extensive water-power and manufactures of paper and powder. Pop. in 1901, 2149.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Windsor Mills and its surrounding areas:
Explore Windsor Mills Historic District: Start your visit by taking a stroll through the historic district of Windsor Mills. You'll find well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, charming streets, and a sense of the town's rich history. Be sure to check out the iconic Windsor Hotel, a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture.

Windsor Mills Covered Bridge: This picturesque covered bridge, known as "Pont des Chars," spans over the Saint-François River. It's a perfect spot for photography and offers a glimpse into the past. You can take a leisurely walk across it and enjoy the scenic views.

Cycling and Hiking: The Eastern Townships are known for their excellent cycling and hiking trails. The region offers a network of scenic routes suitable for all levels. Don't forget to explore the scenic Route Verte, which passes through Windsor Mills, providing cyclists with an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Saint-François River: If you're a fan of water activities, the... Read MORE...