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History of Cowansville, Québec, Canada
Journey back in time to Cowansville, Québec, Canada
(Nelsonville)
Explore Cowansville, Québec, Canada! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Cowansville Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Cowansville: A thriving town in the Eastern Townships, Cowansville is known for its vineyards, scenic trails, and historic sites.
Cowansville is a town in south-central Quebec, Canada, located on Lac Davignon 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the U.S. border.
Jacob Ruiter was the first person to settle on the current site of Cowansville. In 1800 he built a flour mill, and then a saw mill. In 1805, Ruiter named the small town as Nelsonville, in honour of British admiral, Lord Horatio Nelson.
The city's current name is due to Peter Cowan, a merchant from Montreal who settled in the area in 1836 and become postmaster in 1841.
Explore even more about Cowansville, Québec, Canada. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to COWANSVILLE

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.
Discover Cowansville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1873 - Cowansville or Nelsonville
COWANSVILLE, or NELSONVILLE, a thriving post village in Missisquoi co., Que., on the south branch of
the Yamaska river, and on the 8S. E. RK. 55 miles 5S.E. of Montreal. It contains 6 stores, 2 hotels, 2 churches, iprinting office, a telegraph office, a , branch bank, and several mills and workshops. Pop. 600.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873
COWANSVILLE, or NELSONVILLE, a thriving post village in Missisquoi co., Que., on the south branch of
the Yamaska river, and on the 8S. E. RK. 55 miles 5S.E. of Montreal. It contains 6 stores, 2 hotels, 2 churches, iprinting office, a telegraph office, a , branch bank, and several mills and workshops. Pop. 600.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873
1895 - Cowansville - Nelsonville
Cow'ansville, or Nel'sonville, a post-village in Missisquoi co., Quebec, on the S. branch of the Yamaska River, and on the Southeastern Railway, 55 miles S.E. of Montreal. It contains 6 stores, 2 hotels, 2 churches, a printing - office, a branch bank, and several mills and work-shops. Pop. 600.
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
Cow'ansville, or Nel'sonville, a post-village in Missisquoi co., Quebec, on the S. branch of the Yamaska River, and on the Southeastern Railway, 55 miles S.E. of Montreal. It contains 6 stores, 2 hotels, 2 churches, a printing - office, a branch bank, and several mills and work-shops. Pop. 600.
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 - Cowansville or Nelsonville
Cowansville, or Nelsonville, a banking post-village of Missisquoi co., Quebec, on the S. branch of the Yamaska River and on the Canadian Pacific R., 55 miles SE. of Montreal. Pop. in 1901, 699.
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
Cowansville, or Nelsonville, a banking post-village of Missisquoi co., Quebec, on the S. branch of the Yamaska River and on the Canadian Pacific R., 55 miles SE. of Montreal. Pop. in 1901, 699.
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
Cowansville, located in the heart of the Eastern Townships in Quebec, is a charming destination offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, this small town provides visitors with an ideal setting for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled excursion.
Outdoor Activities
Cowansville’s location makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Davignon, situated right in the town, is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding during the warmer months. Its surrounding trails are great for a peaceful walk or a scenic bike ride. For those who love hiking, Mount Brome is a short drive away and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In the winter, the nearby ski resorts of Bromont and Sutton are excellent for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
Historical and Cultural Sites
History buffs will appreciate exploring the Cowansville Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into the region’s past through its exhibits on local heritage. The architecture in downtown Cowansville reflects its Victorian-era roots, making it an enjoyable ... Read MORE...
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, this small town provides visitors with an ideal setting for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled excursion.
Outdoor Activities
Cowansville’s location makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Davignon, situated right in the town, is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding during the warmer months. Its surrounding trails are great for a peaceful walk or a scenic bike ride. For those who love hiking, Mount Brome is a short drive away and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In the winter, the nearby ski resorts of Bromont and Sutton are excellent for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
Historical and Cultural Sites
History buffs will appreciate exploring the Cowansville Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into the region’s past through its exhibits on local heritage. The architecture in downtown Cowansville reflects its Victorian-era roots, making it an enjoyable ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Cowansville Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cowansville, Québec, Canada
We currently have information about 4 ancestors who were born or died in Cowansville.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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