LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse through the years.
1672
The modern history of Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse begins in 1672, when the seigniory of Durantaye was granted to Olivier Morel de La Durantaye, officer of the Carignan-Sallières regiment and commander of Fort Michilimackinak in the Great Lakes region. The seigniory then includes the territories of the current municipalities of La Durantaye, Saint-Michel and Saint-Vallier, as well as the northern part of the municipality of Saint-Raphaël (at the height of chemin Sainte-Catherine where it crosses the Rivière du Sud ). Over the years, the territory of the seigniory was enlarged and reduced in turn, before being split into two parts. It changed hands many times and was enriched by a population from Acadia, fleeing deportation through the woods.
1678 - Église de Saint-Michel established at Saint-Michel
It was in 1678 that a first parish was erected by Bishop Laval on this territory. It was missionaries attached to the Séminaire de Québec who roamed this vast territory at the time and acted as itinerant parish priests in the absence of any chapel or presbytery. Traveling through these lands was not an easy undertaking at the time. Indeed, small rivers that flow into the river were not provided with bridges and in 1759 the Boyer River was still crossed by "canoe at high tide and on horseback or by car at low tide". It is also the absence of bridges that led Bishop Saint-Vallier to create new parishes from the territory of the first parish, which was too vast.
1754
It was in 1754 that the government of New France authorized the creation of a first town in Bellechasse, but only the limits were drawn, because settlement did not begin until the dawn of the 19th century.
In the census of 1815, there are twelve houses around the church.
In 1830, there were around thirty houses there.
1832 - ST. MICHEL,
seigniory, in the co. of Bellechasse, is bounded N.E. by La Valliere; S.W. by Beaumont; in the rear by St. Gervais; in front by the South Channel of the St. Lawrence. - This seigniory and that of St. Valliere have been formed out of the seigniory of Durantaye and its augmentation. About one half of the seigniory of St. Michel, extending along the river, forms the parish of St. Michel; the other half, being the N. end of the seigniory, forms a part of the parish of St. Gervais...
The Parish of St. Michel extends over the half of the seigniory fronting the St. Lawrence; it is 1 1/ 2 league in width, and 2 leagues in depth. The farms in this parish are generally 3 arpents in front by 40 in depth. Correctly speaking, there are no large proprietors, for the individuals, who sometimes acquire the property of their neighbours or other properties in the parish, purchase them for the sake of settling their children and not with a view of farming on a larger scale; these acquisitions,...
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In 1851, there were more than a hundred people living there.
In 1854, the seigneurial regime was abolished to make way for the municipalities. Thus the municipality of Saint-Michel was born, which was chosen as the capital of the county of Bellechasse.
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1873
ST. MICHEL, a post village of Quebec, capital of the co. of Bellechasse, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence, and on the G. T. R., 16 miles below Quebec. It contains, besides the county buildings, a church, convent, college, tannery, saw mill, and several stores, and has a large lumber trade. Pop. 700.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873
1890 - St Michel
St Michel. vil., Quebec, chef-lieu of co. Bellechasse, on S. bank of R. St Lawrence. 21 m. by rail E. of Point Levis. P. of sub-dist. 2,099.
1895 - Saint Michel
Saint Michel, a post-village of Quebec, capital of the co. of Bellechasse, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence, and on the Grand Trunk Railway, 16 miles be low Quebec. It contains the county buildings, a church, convent, college, tannery, saw-mill, and several stores, and has a large lumber-trade. Pop. 700.
1906
Saint Michel, a post-village of Bellechasse co., Quebec, on the S. shore of the St. Lawrence and on the Intercolonial R., 16 miles below Quebec. It has religious and collegiate institutions and a lumber-trade.
In 1923, electricity made its appearance there.
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse has something to offer everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this lovely part of Quebec:
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse Church (Église de Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse): Start your visit by exploring the heart of the village, where you'll find the stunning Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse Church. This beautiful place of worship features impressive architecture and serves as a significant cultural and historical landmark.
Le Domaine Forget: Just a short drive from the village, you'll discover Le Domaine Forget, a renowned music and dance academy. Check their schedule for concerts, workshops, and performances featuring talented artists from around the world.
Outdoor Activities: Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the nearby hiking trails, go biking, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Saint Lawrence River.
Golfing: If you're a golfer, don't miss the chance to play a round at the Club de Golf de Bellechasse. The course offers scenic views and a challenging game for golfers of all ...
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History of Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse, Québec, Canada
