The History of Montreal
The city of Montreal dates back over 2,000 years and today Montreal is Canada’s second largest region. In the twenty first century, Montreal is known for it’s culture, arts, sports and international trade but it wasn’t always that way. This city had a very humble beginning.
A brief history of Montreal follows:
Montreal was originally founded by the nomadic, First Nations tribes people. In time, the First Nations tribes, cultivated Maize and built secure villages. In 1611, the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, established a fur trading post and in 1642 an official colony was founded to evangelize the natives. Over time, the colony became a popular fur trading post for the French. The region continued in French hands until the end of the 7 year war in 1760 when it was officially surrendered to Great Britain.
Montreal became an actual city in 1832 and by 1860 it was the largest economic and cultural center in all of Canada. The city continued to prosper and grow throughout the years, becoming a major railroad hub and a shipping center. In 1920 prohibition arrived in the United States, provoking many Americans to move up to Canada. Americans were looking for alcohol and jobs. In the 1930′s, with the U.S. slipping into depression, the economy of Montreal struggled to stay afloat. In 1951 the city reached over one million and growing.
The eyes of the world came to Montreal in 1976 when the city hosted the 21st Olympic Games. The Montreal Olympics was opened by Queen Elizabeth the 2nd, as the head of Canada. The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, competed in the games and represented the British Equestrian Team. For many, the most notable athletic performance was that of Nadia Comaneci of Romania. The young female gymnast scored seven perfect tens for the first time in history. Scoreboards in 1976 only went up to nine and so her score read “1.0″ instead of ten. (a problem that was fixed for all subsequent Olympic games).
The twenty first century brought general prosperity and growth to the entire Montreal and Island of Montreal region. ( unified in 2002 into one big city) Citizens of Montreal speak both English and French which dates back to their founding Fathers and the end of the seven year war in 1760.
If you visit Montreal today check the weather. The city is known for cold and snowy winters but beautiful springs, summers and falls. Historic sites to see include Montreal’s underground city, the Place d’ Armes , Notre-Dame Basilica and the controversial Olympic stadium.
Just outside the city you will find Beaver Lake on Mount Royal. The site of Mount Royal park was designed as a wooded greenspace by Frederick Law Olmsted who also created New York City’s, Central Park. The park is home to two historic cemeteries dating back to 1852 with over 1 million graves.
In this brief history of Montreal we see a city which has survived difficulties, only to shine brighter in years to come. Millions of people and cultures have contributed to what the city is today, Canada’s cultural capital. Montreal is an international, multi-cultural city, with something for everyone who visits.
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