History of Verchères, Québec, Canada

François-Xavier Jarret arrived in what was to become Vercheres in 1665 with the regiment of Carignan-Salières.

grandquebec.com

Read more about François JARRET DE VERCHÈRES

In 1672, Intendant Jean Talon, acting as the king's representative, granted a seigneury to François-Xavier Jarret de Verchères.

grandquebec.com

Read more about Jean TALON

1681 - The parish of Verchères opened

Le Programme de recherche en démographie historique - Univeriste de Montreal

1690 - Iroquois Indians attacked Ft. Vercheres but were not successful.
Marie Perrot, wife of François-Xavier Jarret, defended Fort Verchères for two days.
grandquebec.com

Read more about Marie PERRAULT (PERROT)

1692 - Madeline de Vercheres saved Vercheres from a surprise Indian attack.
1692 - October 22 - Madeleine de Verchères gathers about 20 local habitant farmers into her family's fortified home, Fort Dangerous, when some Iroquois appear; fires cannon to warn other families; with her father François de Verchères, a militia colonel, away in Montreal, the 14 year old will defend the fort against Iroquois siege for the next 8 days, with only 2 militia and her young brother; when help arrives, she says: 'I surrender my arms to you', then collapses; Jarret seigneury about 32 km east of Montreal on the St. Lawrence River opposite Repentigny, Québec.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ October_22

Read more about Marie-Madeleine JARRET DE VERCHÈRES

1709 - Église de Saint-François-Xavier established at Verchères

www.gcatholic.org

1818 - Church Destroyed by Lightning
The Church at Vercheres, in the vicinity of Montreal, has been destroyed by lighting. 1800 pounds sterling, of the property, we understand, were insured in the Phoenix Company.
Boston Gazette
Boston, Massachusetts
November 19, 1818

1832 - VERCHERES,
seigniory, in the co. of Vercheres, on the south side of the St. Lawrence, is bounded N.E. by St. Blain; S.W. by Bellevue; in the rear by Cournoyer; in front of the St. Lawrence. - One league in front by two in depth. Granted, Oct. 29, 1672, to Sieur de Vercheres, and is now the property of Madame Boucherville. - The land is generally good, with several varieties of soil; the largest proportion of which is in a creditable state of culture. It is watered by a small river and two or three rivulets, that turn a grist-mill, and some saw-mills. It has a neat church, a parsonage-house, and a chapel, in the centre of a small village. - In the parish of Vercheres all the lands are conceded, some as far back as 1727; and there are roads in all directions. The terms of concession were various; some were charged 2 bushels of wheat and 42 sols for 60 superficial arpents; some, one bushel of wheat and one pisstre for 90 superficial arpents; some, 1 bushel of wheat for 60 superficial arpents; and... Read MORE...

1859 - Vercheres
A town of Lower Canada, on the r. bank of the St. Lawrence, 23 m. below Montreal.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1873
VERCHERES, a county in the S.W. part of Quebec, bounded by the St. Lawrence on the W. and the Richelieu on the E. Area 124,812 acres. Capital, Vercheres. Pop. 12,717.

VERCHERES, a thriving post village of Quebec, capital of the. co. of Vercheres, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence, 24 miles below Montreal. It contains a church, college, convent, 7 or 8 stores, a telegraph office, an iron foundry, 2 tanneries, and a saw and gristmill. Pop. 900.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1895 - Vercheres
Verchères, a post-village, capital of the co. of Verchères, Quebec, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence, 24 miles below Montreal. It has a church, a college, a convent, 7 or 8 stores, a foundry, 2 tanneries, a saw-mill, and a grist-mill. Pop. 900.
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

1906
Vercheres, a post-village, capital of Vercheres co., Quebec, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence River, 21 miles below Montreal, on the Quebec Southern R.
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

1911 - French Girl's Heroism
To Madeleine de Vercheres a monument is to be erected and the parliament of Canada is to pay $15,000 toward the cost of the undertaking. Madeleine de Vercheres was a brave French girl who held a little fort successfully against the attacks of hostile Iroquois. A brave little woman was the heroine of Castle Dangerous. To work such as she did Canada owes her freedom from internal troubles in the later days of the French occupation. It is well that the courage of Madeleine de Vercheres is to be commemorated. Her story ought certainly to be handed down to posterity to illustrate the good qualities of the pioneers. - Toronto Mail and Empire.
Salt Lake Telegram
Salt Lake City, Utah
May 5, 1911

1911 - English Sign is Spurned - Under Leadership of Priest French Canadians Post New One
NEW YORK., May 18. - A dispatch from Vercheres, a village on the St. Lawrence, 30 miles from Montreal, says:

"A demonstration unique in the history of Vercheres has just been held. The postoffice was indicated by a notice bearing the English sign 'postoffice.' The population, wholly French-Canadian, assembled in front of the postoffice under the direction of a priest and after signing patriotic songs, posted a new signboard on the building bearing the words 'bureau de poste.' The curator of the parish delivered a speech in favor of the French language."
Oregonian
Oregon
May 19, 1911

Vercheres
Verchères, Qué, Municipality, pop 5243 (2006c), 4782 (2001c), inc 1971. Verchères is 62 km northeast of Montréal, situated on the south shore of the St Lawrence River between LONGUEUIL and SOREL.

In 1665, François Jarret, Sieur de Verchères (1641-1700), obtained a commission with the CARIGNAN-SALIÈRES REGIMENT and was sent to New France. In 1672 he was granted the seigneury of Verchères for his military service. During wartime, the seigneury was subjected to frequent Iroquois attacks. To combat this problem, de Verchères erected a palisade around the manor house. It was from the defence of this palisade that the legend of his daughter, 14-year-old Marie-Madeleine Jarret deVERCHÈRES, originates.

The old windmill of Verchères was originally erected in 1730 by Jean-Baptiste Jarret. In 1913 it was acquired by the federal government and transformed into a lighthouse until 1949. Since then, it has been an historical exhibition centre.

Verchères's economy is primarily agricultural.... Read MORE...

2023 - Here's a list of places to visit and things to do in Verchères:
Fort Verchères: Start your journey with a visit to Fort Verchères, a national historic site. This fort played a significant role in Canadian history during the 18th century, particularly during the French and Indian War. Explore the reconstructed fort, learn about its history, and enjoy the scenic views of the St. Lawrence River.

Verchères Marina: If you're a fan of boating or simply enjoy waterfront views, the Verchères Marina is a great place to visit. You can take a leisurely stroll along the marina, watch the boats, or even rent a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful trip along the river.

Verchères Boardwalk: This picturesque boardwalk runs along the riverbank and offers a serene place for a leisurely walk or bike ride. It's especially beautiful during sunset, providing breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes.

Verchères Beach: On a hot summer day, head to the Verchères Beach to cool off. It's a small but lovely sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe,... Read MORE...