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The place featured in Cockburn’s work is called Bas-du-Sault, meaning “foot of the falls.” Forestry companies have harnessed the hydraulic power of Montmorency Falls since 1811. Buildings quickly sprang up around to support this profitable industry, including Peter Patterson’s sawmill. The mill facilities are shown here at the top left of the waterfall.
1807 - 1830

A Sunday at the Falls

Montmorency Falls owes its name to Samuel de Champlain, who named the site in 1613 in honour of the Duc de Montmorency, the viceroy of New France. At the turn of the 19th century, Governor Frederick Haldimand commissioned the construction of a manor house overlooking the Falls. By this time, the Falls had become a popular destination for the locals. The mound of ice that accumulates in winter in front of the Falls was nicknamed the “sugar loaf.” See this attraction for yourself through the eyes of the period’s artists!

The sugar loaf at Montmorency Falls

James Pattison Cockburn The place featured in Cockburn’s work is called Bas-du-Sault, meaning “foot of the falls.” Forestry companies have harnessed the hydraulic power of Montmorency Falls since 1811. Buildings quickly sprang up around to support this profitable industry, including Peter Patterson’s sawmill. The mill facilities are shown here at the top left of the waterfall.
Chronoscope What comments or thoughts does this image evoke for you? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1989-260-2 - Date: 1829