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To start the history of Montreal, we are going back to the time of indigenous settlements. Moreover, the area was long inhabited by the St. Lawrence Iroquoians. In fact, they established the village of Hochelaga at the foot of Mount Royal. The reason being is that the location was ideal thanks to the surrounding natural resources.
French fishermen, settlers, fur traders, and missionaries were among the first Europeans to have sustained contact with the Indigenous peoples. Moreover, France saw the Indigenous nations as allies, and heavily relied on them for fur trade wealth. By the early 17th century the area of Ville Marie (Montreal) became the centre for fur trading and French expansion. Despite the somewhat neutral cohabitation, conflict for control of resources arose. Although, it was not until 1701 that a peace treaty would begin to end a century of atrocity and hostility.
By 1760, Montreal surrendered to British forces. Even so, fur trading remained the centre of economic importance. Overall, the industry expanded greatly, but the dependance on this single industry resulted in slow population growth. That is until a large influx of immigrants came from the British Isles in 1815.
After 5 years of construction Notre Dame Basilica opens on July 1.
Montreal is officially incorporated as a city.
The Montreal Police Service was created on March 15. At the time there were 51 officers.
Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the Bonsecours Market opens in January.
On March 25, riots began with the burning of the Parliament buildings, this lasted 2 days.
The first YMCA in the continent opens in Montreal on November 25.
On July 8, a fire broke out and quickly spread, destroying over a quarter of the city and leaving many families homeless.
The Canadian sugar refining company, Redpath, was established.
The Victoria Bridge finishes construction and officially opens.
Horse-drawn tramways began operating on November 27.
The Montreal fire department was established by-law in 1862.
With the Confederation in 1867, “Canada West” becomes the Province of Ontario, and “Canada East” becomes the Province of Quebec.
Established under charter after more than 40 years of informal trading.
A game of hockey was played on March 3 at the now closed Victoria Skating Rink, it was recognized as the first official game of organized ice hockey.
After 6 years of construction, Montreal City Hall is completed.
The University of Montreal was founded, called Universite Laval a Montreal.
The first public demonstration of electricity was shown on Champ de Mars. A year later the port would obtain electricity.
The first Montreal Winter Carnival was held.
The Mount Royal Funicular opens, and was in service for 34 years before closing after being declared structurally unsafe.
1000 electric lamps provided lights for all streets in the city.
The Montreal Hockey Club is the first team to win the Stanley Cup.
Montreal Children’s Hospital opened its doors on January 30.
Montreal’s first cinema theatre opens, it is called Ouimetoscope.
The Montreal hockey team was founded on December 4.
The popular Montreal-style bagel shop is opened.
Famed Montreal smoked meat deli opens on December 31.
The Jacques Cartier Bridge opens on May 14 and firstly named The Harbour Bridge.
Restaurant featuring a large giant orange structure was established.
The popular Jean Talon Market opens.
The lowest temperature ever recorded was on December 29. It was -34 degrees Celsius (-29 degrees Fahrenheit).
The flag of Montreal was first displayed in May.
Founded by Frère Marie-Victorin.
Montreal Metro opens on October 14. It is the second Canadian subway system after Toronto’s.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal was completed.
The unique housing complex designed by Moshe Safdie was built.
The summer Olympics of 1976 were held in Montreal.
The Canadian Grand Prix is moved to Montreal on Notre Dame Island. The location, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, is named after a Quebec native who was the first winner of the Montreal Grand Prix.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival was founded.
The Montreal based entertainment company, Cirque du Soleil was founded.
Casino de Montreal opened on October 9.
The ferris wheel at the port opens to the public on September 1. Also as the largest ferris wheel in Canada.
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