MP-1974.61 | Sherbrooke from the east, QC, about 1858
Sherbrooke from the east, QC, about 1858
Alexander Henderson
1859, 19th century
Silver salts on paper mounted on paper - Salted paper process
16 x 21 cm
MP-1974.61
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords: Cityscape (3948) , Photograph (77678) , view (1386)
Keys to History
Located on what had been Abenaki land, Sherbrooke was settled by Europeans in 1802. Originally an English-speaking community at the centre of the Eastern Townships region, it became important in the Confederation period as a textile centre due to its water resources in the Magog and St. François rivers. Its economic importance increased greatly with construction of the Grand Trunk Railway through the city.
Source : Confederation: The Creation of Canada [Web tour], by Brian J. Young, McGill University (see Links)
-
What
Sherbrooke represents a good example of a regional city that prospered with the combination of railways, rich surrounding agricultural land and sources of water power.
-
Where
Located at the junction of the Magog and St. François rivers, Sherbrooke had water power resources that attracted textile factories as early as 1844. It was also the junction point for railways leading to Portland and Boston in the United States, and to Halifax, Quebec City and Montreal in Canada.
-
When
This photograph, taken about 1858, coincided with completion of the Grand Trunk Railway. Sherbrooke would serve as an important way-station and junction on the main line between Montreal and Portland, Maine.
-
Who
In 1871, francophones represented 50% of the population; the percentage has risen to 94% today.
Visitors' comments
Add a comment