Sieur de Laviolette

The Sieur of Laviolette, founder of Trois-Rivières. The Laviolette Bridge is his namesake.

Plaque - The Sieur of Laviolette, founder of Trois-Rivières à Trois-Rivières

The Sieur de Laviolette was the first commander of Trois-Rivières, a city in Central Québec.

Background

The area of Trois-Rivières (Three Rivers), located on the St Lawrence River at the mouth of the St. Maurice River, was first explored by Jacques Cartier on 7 October 1535, on his return from Hochelaga. Around 1600, François Gravé Du Pont, of Tadoussac, went there to trade with the Indians. Champlain first visited he area, accompanied by Gravé Du Pont in 1603.

History

Champlain recognized the economic and strategic benefits of the location. In 1632, Trois-Rivières was designated for the annual meeting of Indians and fur traders.

In 1634, he sent Laviolette, to strengthen the fur trade network and establish a trading post. Laviolette and a few soldiers built a fence, inside which some houses were erected to serve as housing and shops. The same year, the Jesuits Paul Le Jeune and Jacques Buteux established a permanent mission. Laviolette was commander at Trois-Rivières until April 17, 1636.

In 2011, historian Yannick Gendron identified Théodore Bochart Du Plessis as Sieur de Laviolette, chief clerk of the Company of New France, although does not appear to be universally accepted.

Laviolette Bridge is named in his honor.