Industry
Forges du Saint-Maurice near Trois-Rivières, Quebec, preserves the remains of the first successful ironworking industry in New France. Founded in 1730 to exploit local ore and reduce dependence on imported metal goods, the enterprise struggled for years with weak infrastructure, technical failures, poor output, debt, and bankruptcy. Taken over by the French colonial state in 1743, it was rebuilt after fire, expanded its production, and for a time earned profits making both industrial and domestic iron goods. The works continued under British rule, later supplied ironwork for John Molson’s Accommodation, and finally closed in 1883. The site endures as evidence of colonial industrial ambition and the difficulties of early North American ironmaking.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Quebec · Canada
