Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve

Maisonneuve, Paul de Chomedey de
Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, officer, founder of MONTRÉAL (bap at Neuville-sur-Vanne, France 15 Feb 1612; d at Paris, France 1676). He was chosen by the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal to found a missionary colony on Montréal I. The expedition, which included Jeanne MANCE, left La Rochelle 9 May 1641 and arrived at Québec late in 1641. Maisonneuve began construction of VILLE-MARIE [Montréal] in 1642 and within a year had established a fort for defence, a hospital, chapel and lodging for about 70 persons who lived there. Maisonneuve was a skilful organizer and tireless defender of the colony, particularly against the constant attacks of the Iroquois. However, he did not always enjoy the favour of the governors general and he was recalled to France in September 1665. He lived out his life in seclusion in Paris. The history of the early years is told in DOLLIER DE CASSON's Histoire du Montréal, 1640-1672 (1868; tr A History of Montreal, 1928).

Author MARY MCDOUGALL MAUDE

Links to Other Sites
Jeanne Mance
This website honours Jeanne Mance, first lay nurse in North America and other exemplary Canadian women. Part of the "Celebrating Women's Achievements" series from Library and Archives Canada.

Keys to History
Search this "Keys to History" website for fascinating online exhibits about notable people, places, and events in Canadian history. From Montréal's McCord Museum.

Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve in 1642
Features a brief description of the monument to Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve in Montréal’s Place d'Armes. From the official Old Montréal website.

Port of Montréal
A nicely illustrated history of the Port of Montréal. A pdf file.

Mount Royal
This website is dedicated to Mount Royal, Montréal’s beautiful urban park. Features current attractions and a brief history of this legendary landmark.