Pioneers' Obelisk (Montreal)

Pioneers' Obelisk

Location Place d'Youville (Montreal)
Designer J.A.U. Baudry
Type Obelisk
Material Stanstead grey granite
Height 41 feet (12 m)
Beginning date 1893
Opening date May 17, 1894
Dedicated to Montreal Founders

The Pioneers Monument Obelisk is a monument in Old Montreal.

Contents

Overview

The granite obelisk commemorates the foundation of Montreal close to this spot in 1642. The monument was erected by the Société historique de Montréal to celebrate the city’s 250th birthday. One of the plaques on the north side of the obelisk lists the names of the colonists who came between May and December of 1642.

The obelisk is made from a block of granite that stands 41 feet (12.5 m) tall and is 3 feet (0.91 m) square at its base. It took 40 horses to drag the shaft into the city in 1893. The monument was unveiled on May 17, 1894.

It has been moved a number of times before it was placed in its present location in 1999. It made its debut somewhat west of its present location. In the 1940's it moved again to the old Customs House. It wasn't until 1988 that it ended up in its present location, which is believed to be where Montreal's first mass was held.

See also

Gallery

Notes