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History of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
Journey back in time to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
Also known as(Valleyfield) (Sainte-Cécile)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield: Situated in Montérégie, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is a city with a rich industrial history and a vibrant community. It offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities, and its waterfront location makes it a popular destination for water sports.
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is located on the shores of Lac Saint-Louis, about thirty kilometers from Montreal. grandquebec.com
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is located on the shores of Lac Saint-Louis, about thirty kilometers from Montreal. grandquebec.com
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VINTAGE SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Bishop's Palace){kind=small}
Bishop's Palace
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - College de Valleyfield){kind=small}
College de Valleyfield
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Palais de Justice (Court House)){kind=small}
Palais de Justice (Court House)
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Bureau de Poste (Post Office)){kind=small}
Bureau de Poste (Post Office)
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - La Cathedrale){kind=small}
La Cathedrale
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Gardin de L'Enfance (Orphanage)){kind=small}
Gardin de L'Enfance (Orphanage)
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Hotel-Dieu (Hospital)){kind=small}
Hotel-Dieu (Hospital)
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - United Church){kind=small}
United Church
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Parc Sauve){kind=small}
Parc Sauve
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Rue Victoria Street){kind=small}
Rue Victoria Street
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Restaurant Oscar Mailloux){kind=small}
Restaurant Oscar Mailloux
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Victoria Street){kind=small}
Victoria Street
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
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 (Sainte-Cécile) - Pharmacie Allard){kind=small}
Pharmacie Allard
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
Postcard
 (Sainte-Cécile) - Police and Fire Department){kind=small}
Police and Fire Department
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD
I Love QUÉBEC Mug – Poutine, Tourtière & Tarte au Sucre Quebec Coffee Cup
Savor the flavors of Québec with every sip from our vibrant Ceramic Mug! Crafted with love, this mug is a tribute to the iconic culinary delights of Québec, featuring mouthwatering illustrations of Poutine, Tourtière, and Tarte au Sucre. If you're passionate about Québecois cuisine or simply want to show your love for this beautiful province, this mug is the perfect choice.
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
QUÉBEC, Canada Roots Canadian Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Quebec Heritage in Style
Raise your morning cup to your rich Québecois heritage with this charming Québec Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for proud descendants of Québec, this ceramic mug features the bold phrase "Québec Roots" – a nod to the generations that have shaped your family’s history.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Salaberry-de-Valleyfield: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Salaberry-de-Valleyfield through the years.
The first attempt to settle in these places was made in 1673, when the seigneury of Châteauguay was granted to Sieur Charles Lemoyne de Longueuil.
However, it was not until the end of the 18th century that the settlement of the region really began with the arrival of several settlers who came to take possession of the land. According to the research of Bishop Lionel Groulx, the pioneers considered the region of Valleyfield as a "mysterious region, the land of werewolves, fantastic will-o'-the-wisps and legendary stagnations".
It was not until 1795 that Mr. Alexander Ellice, a wealthy English merchant and new owner of the seigniory, began to organize his estate.
First, he renamed his property Annfield in honor of his wife. Then he divides the land into twelve sections and gives each the names of his children.
In 1842, in order to avoid the Cèdres and Saint-Timothée du Saint-Laurent rapids and thus open the way to the Great Lakes, the government decided to dig a canal between Saint-Louis and Saint-François lakes.
After the inauguration of the canal, the population of the city of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield increases rapidly to reach a population of two thousand souls. In a short time, hotels, shops and factories were opened there.
In 1855, Pointe-du-Lac was incorporated under the name of Sainte-Cécile parish. Mr. Amable Thibeault becomes the first resident priest and Mr. Charles Dépocas the first mayor.
At the same time, in 1854, the first paper factory and a mechanical sawmill were set up at the head of the Beauharnois canal and a little later, the Alexander Buntin company bought the paper factory. This early industry in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield made the city known across the country, as most newspaper owners in Canada bought newsprint there. The factory was sold in 1875 to the Montreal Cotton Company.
The actual city was founded in 1874, the first mayor was Moise Plante. The first settlers arrived in 1798.
At that moment, the settlement was named Pointe-du-Lac (Lake Point). The colony was then renamed Saranac, then Sainte-Cécile. Salaberry-de-Valleyfield was officially named in 1874 after Colonel Charles de Salaberry who served with the British army during the War of 1812. "Valleyfield" came from the Valleyfield Mills, a paper mill south of Edinburgh in Scotland.
In 1874, the parish of Sainte-Cécile became the town of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
The choice of the name of the municipality was not easy: the first mayor, Mr. Dépocas, proposed the name of Salaberry in homage to Colonel Charles-Michel de Salaberry who commanded the Canadian troops in 1813 during the Battle of Châteauguay, while near the city. In turn, Mr. Buntin, boss of the paper factory which brought a lot of money to the town, preferred the name of Valleyfield to recall a very well-known paper factory which was in Scotland, in Penicuik, namely the Valleyfield Mills. The discussions were heated and fights even took place in the streets between the supporters of the two options. Finally, for once, the residents were reasonable and combined the two names.
From 1892 to 1901, the city of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield experienced the most brilliant period of its existence thanks to the economic benefits of its industries.
The population grew and, in 1901, the city became the county seat of Beauharnois.
After the opening of the new Beauharnois canal in 1930 and after the Second World War, the city's industries diversified with the arrival, among others, of the chemical industries.
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield then became one of the most important industrial centers in Canada.
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With the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1961, deep-water port facilities were added to the existing industrial structure and dozens of transatlantic liners provided regular transport between Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and world trade centers.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield area:
Valleyfield Heritage Walking Tour: Start your exploration of the city with a guided or self-guided heritage walking tour. You'll discover the rich history of Valleyfield through its well-preserved architecture, including historic homes, churches, and industrial buildings.
Sainte-Cécile Church: Visit this beautiful church, a local landmark known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The church often hosts cultural events and concerts, so check the schedule for any upcoming performances.
Écomusée du fier monde: Located in the heart of Valleyfield, this museum offers a glimpse into the industrial history of the region. It's a great place to learn about the city's past and its development.
Saint-Timothée Wildlife Refuge: If you enjoy the outdoors, head to this wildlife refuge. You can explore hiking trails, observe local wildlife, and even go bird-watching. It's a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Parc des Îles: This scenic park is located on the...
Read more
Sainte-Cécile Church: Visit this beautiful church, a local landmark known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The church often hosts cultural events and concerts, so check the schedule for any upcoming performances.
Écomusée du fier monde: Located in the heart of Valleyfield, this museum offers a glimpse into the industrial history of the region. It's a great place to learn about the city's past and its development.
Saint-Timothée Wildlife Refuge: If you enjoy the outdoors, head to this wildlife refuge. You can explore hiking trails, observe local wildlife, and even go bird-watching. It's a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Parc des Îles: This scenic park is located on the...
GENEALOGY IN SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD
Discover YOUR Roots: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
We currently have information about 49 ancestors who were born or died in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, Canada
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
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Updated: 2/6/2025 1:58:45 PM
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