History of Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, Québec, Canada

1740 - Église de Saint-Denis established in Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu
The history of this part of the Montérégie country dates back as early as the first half of the 18th century, with the founding, in 1740, of the parish of Saint-Denis-de-la-Rivière-Chambly (this is an old name of the Richelieu River), whose canonical erection will only take place in 1832.
grandquebec.com

As early as 1757, Intendant Bigot authorized the creation of a town in Saint-Denis, the form Saint-Denys being frequently encountered at that time.
It was on the occasion of the civil erection which occurred in 1835 that the denomination was reduced to Saint-Denis, a form adopted by the parish municipality officially created in 1855.
grandquebec.com

1831 - In 1831, the pottery industry in Saint-Denis employed 31 people and there was also an important manufacturer of coaches in the same parish.

richardjohnbr.blogspot.com/ 2010/ 10/ richelieu.html

1832 - ST. DENIS,
seigniory, in the co. of Richelieu, is bounded N.E. by the aug. to St. Ours; S.W. by St. Charles and Cournoyer; in the rear by St. Hyacinthe; in front by Contrecoeur. - It is 2 leagues in breadth and depth, and it includes the isles and islets in the R. Richelieu as far as the S. extends up that river. Granted Sept. 20, 1694, to Louis de Ganne, Sieur de Falaise. It now belongs to Madame Fleury Deschambault. The lands are fertile and the whole of the S. is conceded and peopled. There are 5 ranges of concessions, containing 250 farms, all under cultivation. Flax is raised generally and the soil is in many place fit for hemp. The lands form many leagues in this neighborhood are considered the most productive in the district of Montreal. The sterile lands in this S. have been left covered with standing wood, and the parts that have been cleared have been abandoned. Timber has been reserved on good lands, but not in sufficient quantities, which has obliged many to procure lands in the... Read MORE...

(Saint-Denis) - "Throughout the 1830s, Saint-Denis was home to large political gatherings as well as the headquarters of the Fils de la Liberte (Sons of Freedom), a group of young French Canadians who wanted Lower Canada (Quebec)
to become and independent country. But even more important, Saint-Denis was the site of the only Patriotes victory over the British during the Rebellion of 1837-38.

Fabulous Quebec, Collective Series, Ulysses Travel Guides Series
Authors Francois Remillard, Benoit Prieur
Publisher Ulysses Travel Guides, 2004
ISBN 2894647166, 9782894647165
Page 142

1837 - December 2 - Lower Canada Rebellion
Lt-Col. Charles Gore returns to St-Denis after earlier standoff by the Patriote rebels; troops sack and burn the village; heads to St-Charles, Québec the following day, then to St-Hyacinthe, Québec. St-Denis-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ December_2

1873
ST. DENIS, a flourishing post village and parish of Quebec, co. of St. Hyacinthe, on the River Richelieu. 14 miles from St. Hilaire Station. The village contains 7 or 8 stores, and saw, grist and carding mills. This place has attained an unenviable notoriety from the murder of Lieut. Weir, who had been sent overland to Sorel from Monreal with despatches, and wishing to join his regiment, which was on its route to St Denis, fell a prisoner into the hands of the rebels who barbarously and brutally murdered him, and then threw his body into the Richelieu. This was during the rebellion of 1837-38. Pop. of parish 2,463.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1886 - There has been fifty deaths from smallpox at St. Denis, Que., out of sixty cases.

Greensboro North State
Greensboro, North Carolina
May 20, 1886

1887 - Stabbed
A row occurred at St. Denis, near Chambly, Que., yesterday, when a man named Fournier was stabbed in several parts of the face by a man named Baudet. Fournier is in critical condition.

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
July 12, 1887

1895 - Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu
Saint Denis, a post-village of Quebec, co. of St. Hyacinthe, on the river Richelieu, 14 miles N. of St. Hilaire Village. It contains 7 or 8 stores, and saw, grist-, and carding-mills.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Saint Denis, a post-village of St. Hyacinthe co., Quebec, on the river Richelieu, 14 miles N. of St. Hilaire. It has butter and cheese-industries and manufactures of cutlery. Pop. about 1000.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu
Saint-Denis, Qué, Municipality, pop 2243 (2006c), 2183 (2001c), inc 1903. Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu is located on Rivière RICHELIEU, 30 km northwest of SAINT-HYACINTHE. It took its name from the Saint-Denis seigneury, granted in 1694 to Louis de Gannes, Sieur de Falaise, and named in honour of his wife, Barbe Denis. In the early 19th century Saint-Denis was a major centre for grain shipments to Québec City. It also had business dealings with Montréal and was the fastest-developing centre in the lower Richelieu region. It was home to Canada's largest hat-making industry as well as to several craft and pottery workshops.

During the REBELLIONS OF 1837 it became a centre for the PATRIOTES who fought against and forced the retreat of Colonel Charles Gore's troops. In retaliation, the village was burned (see ST-DENIS, BATTLE OF). The development of the railway and the automobile caused Saint-Denis to decline as a commercial centre and become the centre of a thriving dairy... Read MORE...

2023 - Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu has something to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do:
Visit Fort Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Explore the historical Fort Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a reconstructed fort that offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past. You can take guided tours to learn about its history and significance.

Stroll Through the Village: Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu. Admire the well-preserved heritage buildings and the quaint atmosphere of the village.

Saint-Denis Church: Visit the beautiful Saint-Denis Church, an iconic landmark with its striking architecture. It's not only a place of worship but also a historical site worth exploring.

Richelieu River: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the Richelieu River. The scenic views and serene environment make it an excellent spot for relaxation and photography.

Richelieu Valley Golf Club: If you're a golf enthusiast, don't miss the Richelieu Valley Golf Club. It offers a challenging 18-hole course amidst lush greenery.

Cycling Trails: Explore the... Read MORE...