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Orleans Island : A land of legend and history
In 1535, Jacques Cartier called this Island "Isle de Bascuz" (Island of bacchus) because there was an abundance of vines. The Canada's Discoverer also noticed that there were Indians on the Island. The indian name, Minigo, which means "island" was already known then. During the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries, the Island was also called "La Grande Ile", "Sainte-Marie" and "Saint-Laurent".
Mainly because of its architectural heritage, the Ile d'Orleans obtained a historical district status in 1979 in virtue of the Heritage Fund law.
... and more particularly the village of Sainte-Petronille Saint-Petronille is one of six parishes on Ile d'Orleans. Its history goes back to the times when the Huron took refuge in this location as early as the XVIIth century to protect themselves from the Iroquoian menace. In 1759, General Wolfe set up his headquarters on the island to watch over Quebec and the two arms of the river at the same time. In the middle of the XIXth century, hundreds of Sunday strollers used to take the ferry across to Sainte-Petronille. The first golf club in North America was founded in 1868 in this popular resort. Soon, superb Regency style homes were erected by wealthy English families. One can still admire these beautiful houses along Chemin du Bout-de-l'Ile. Sainte-Petronille is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. |
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