History of Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

In 1802, Gilbert Hyatt established a first flour mill at the confluence of the Magog and Saint-François rivers.
From that moment, the city, bordered by mountains and forests, located in the heart of the Eastern Townships, was born.

First known as Grandes-Fourches or Big Forks, the site became Hyatt's Mills, but in 1818, the name of the Governor General of Canada, Sir John Coape Sherbrooke was assigned to it.

The site attracted many British and American immigrants, then French Canadians came to live there, also attracted by the advantages of these places.
grandquebec.com

1823 - Barn Accident
A most shocking accident occurred at Sherbrooke on the 12th inst. while erecting a barn on the farm of C. Whircher, Esq. occasioned by part of the frame falling. One fine young man was so much bruised that he expired upon the spot, two were dangerously wounded, and another has an arm so broken as to render amputation necessary, and as this operation cannot take place immediately, there is every reason to fear he will not survive. They are all sons of one unfortunate person by the name of Blodget. Such a scene of real woe was presented on these young men being carried home was never before witnessed.
Connecticut Gazette
Connecticut
October 8, 1823

1832 - The village of Sherbrooke
occupies and elevated situation on both banks of the river Magog, at the Forks of the St. Francis. It contains about 75 houses, and its settlements are connected by a tolerably good bridge, near which are Mr. Goodhue's mills. The churches and the greater part of the village are in Orford, but the old court-house and the gaol are on the Ascott side of the river. The population is about 350. It is the seat of the jurisdiction of the inferior district of St. Francis, and is a place of more general resort than any villages in the neighbouring townships; it is, as it were, the emporium of the township trade, and the place of transit through which the chief part of the township commodities are conveyed to the St. Lawrence: these commodities are, chiefly, pot and pearl-ashes, horses, horned cattle, and some sheep.
A Topographical Dictionary of The Province of Lower Canada by Joseph Bouchette, Esq., London, 1832

1835 - Parish of St-Michel is established at Sherbrooke

Le Programme de recherche en démographie historique - Univeriste de Montreal

1852 - The first railroad station in Sherbrooke was built by the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway (later Grand Trunk) in 1852 along the Montreal-Portland line.

townshipsheritage.com/ attraction/ railway-stations-eastern-townships

1867 - Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, the metropolis of the Eastern Townships of Canada, was incorporated a town in the year 1862. In extent of population, wealtb, and commercial importance, it occupies the leading position in this portion of the Province. It is an active, enterprising place of about 4,600 inhabitants, delightfully situated at the confluence of the rivers St. Francis and Magog, on the south-eastern line of the Grand Trunk Railway, at a distance from Montreal of 96 miles. Divided by the latter stream, part of the town lies in the Township of Ascott and the remainder in Orford, Compton County, St. Francis District, of which district it is the chef lieu. The town is principally noted for its unsurpassed water- power and extensive manufactories. There are sixteen or eighteen mills and factories in constant operation, and others in course of erection. These embrace paper, woollen, grist, and saw mills ; match, fuse, scythe, furniture, and sash factories, foundry and machine shops, &c. A large... Read MORE...

1870 - The Massawippi Valley Railway opened its Sherbrooke terminus at the railroad station built in 1852 by the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway.

townshipsheritage.com/ attraction/ railway-stations-eastern-townships

1872 - Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Michel established at Sherbrooke

www.gcatholic.org

1873
SHERBROOKE, a county of Quebec, comprises an area of 140,300 acres. It is traversed by three railways — the Grand Trunk, Massawippi Valley, and
St. Francis and Lake Megantic International, and watered by the River St. Francis and other streams. Capital, Sherbrooke. Pop. 8,516.

SEHERBROOKE, an incorporated town of Quebec, capital of the co. of Sherbrooke, on both sides of the River Magog, and on the Grand Trunk and Massawippi Valley railways, and at the W. terminus of' the St. Francis and Lake Megantic International railway (now building), 101 miles E. of Montreal, 121 miles S.S.W. of Quebec, and 196 miles N.N.W. of Portland. It contains the head offices of the Eastern Townships Bank, 1 branch bank, the chief office in Canada of the British America Land Company, several assurance and insurance agencies, churches of 5 or 6 denominations, 3 printing offices issuing weekly newspapers, an academy, about 30 stores, and manufactories of woolen and cotton cloths, flannels, iron... Read MORE...

1874 - New Railway
The new Sherbrooke (Canada), Eastern Townships and Kennebec railway shortens the distance from Quebec to Boston 39 miles, and from Quebec to New York, in comparison with the shortest existing line, 58 miles. The president of the new road is J. R. Robertson. The cost so far has been about $200,000 and the completed road will probably require an outlay of $1,906,500.
Lowell Daily Citizen and News
Lowell, Massachusetts
October 30, 1874

1877 - Two men with O'Brien's circus were arrested at Sherbrooke, Quebec, for stabbing a man named Dupont, who lies in a critical condition.

St. Albans Advertiser
St. Albans, Vermont
July 27, 1877

1885 - In 1885, a second train station was built in Sherbrooke, with the completion of a line from Magog by the Waterloo & Magog Railway.

townshipsheritage.com/ attraction/ railway-stations-eastern-townships

1887 - Église de Saint-Patrick established at Sherbrooke

www.gcatholic.org

1888 - Leda Montagne, accused of the murder of her husband, has been acquitted.
SHERBROOKE, Oct. 10 - Lemieux's address in her defence is pronounced the most poweful and eloquent ever delivered in this district. All were deeply moved by the pathetic appeal. The Crown prosecutor had an arduous task to restore the feelings of the jurors, and afterwards made an able addres, which lasted three hours. The jury deliberated two hours.
The Brandon Mail
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
October 18, 1888

1889 - Two Men Blown to Atoms
By Associated Press.
SHERBROOKE, Que., Jan. 18. - Dennis Conture and Joseph Noel were endeavoring to thaw a stick of dynamite this morning at the mines of the Albert copper company at Capeton, when it exploded, blowing them to atoms.
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
January 18, 1889

1890 - Église de Saint-Jean-Baptiste established at Sherbrooke

www.gcatholic.org

1890 - Hanged
William Wallace Blanchard Hanged at Sherbrooke, Quebec

Sherbrooke, Que., Dec. 12. - William Wallace Blanchard was hanged here this morning for the murder of Chas. A. Clakins on the eighteenth of Nov., 1889. The drop fell at 9:06 1/ 2 and at 9:30 the jail surgeon pronounced him dead. The execution was performed by Radcliffe who hanged Birchall and the whole proceedings were without an unpleasant incident.

Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks, North Dakota
December 12, 1890

1891 - Gas Works Explosion
SHERBROOKE, Que., Jan. 1. - There was a serious explosion a the gas works here late last night. The force of the explosion tore out one side of the building and the structure took fire. Charles Dinsmore, an employe, was found half an hour after the explosion, under a heavy iron door which had been blown some distance. He died from his injuries five minutes after being found.
The Sandusky Register
Sandusky, Ohio
January 2, 1891

1895 - Sherbrooke
SHERBROOKE, a county of Quebec, comprises an area of 140,300 acres. It is traversed by four railways- the G. T. R., B. & M. R., Quebec Central Ry. and C. P. R., and watered by the Rivers St. Francis and Magog. Capital, Sherbrooke. Pop. in 1871, 8516; in 1891, 16088.
Crossby, Peter Alfred. Lovell's gazetteer of British North America. (John Lovell & Son)., 1895

1895 - Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, a town of Quebec, capital of the co.o Sherbrooke, on the river Magog, and on the Grand Trunk and Massawippi Valley Railways, at the W. terminus o the St. Francis & Lake Megantic International Railway 101 miles E. of Montreal, 121 miles S.S.W. of Quebec, an 196 miles N.N.W. of Portland. It has a bank, a branch bank, 6 churches, offices issuing 3 weekly newspapers, a academy, about 30 stores, and manufactures of woolle and cotton cloths, flannels, iron castings, machinery, axe pails, &c.; also saw-mills, breweries, &c. Pop. 4432.

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

1896 - Église de Saint-Roch established at Sherbrooke

www.gcatholic.org

1896 - French Canadian Immigration
SHERBROOKE, Que., April 17. - The exodus of the French Canadians into the United States goes one uninterruptedly. Fully 250 French Canadians from eastern Quebec left here last night via the Boston & Maine railroad for the United States, and 150 more left via the Grand Trunk railway. Railroad people say that the daily average of French Canadian emigrants passing through Sherbrooke is about 100.
Decatur Daily Republican
Decatur, Illinois
April 17, 1896

1896 - A Town Flooded
SHERBROOKE (Que.), April 17. - The river here has been rising for several days and there is now over three feet of water on the floors of the many manufacturing establishments on the flats, stopping work therein. The central business part of the town of Richmond is completely inundated.
The Record-Union
Sacramento, California
April 18, 1896

1896 - A Bridge Disaster
Sherbrooke, Que., April 18. - The Quebec central bridge across the St. Francis river has been swept away by the high water. It is roughly estimated that the loss of the St. Anselm bridge and this will be $100,000.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Iowa
April 19, 1896

1897 - Church Burned
Sherbrooke, Que., May 11. St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church was gutted by fire and several thousand dollars' worth of damage done.
Trenton Evening Times
Trenton, New Jersey
May 11, 1897

1898 - Fire in Quebec
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Aug 14 - The works of the Jencks Machine company, the largest industry of the kind in Canada, were destroyed by fire, supposed to have started in the Rand Drill company's plant. The estimated loss is $225,000, probably covered by insurance.
Gazette-Telegraph
Colorado
August 15, 1898

1901 - Two Children Perished in a Sherbrooke Fire - Caused by a Lamp Explosion.
Sherbrooke, Que., June 24. - Paul, aged 14, and Antoine, aged 5, sons of B. Durocher, were burned to death in their father's barn at East Sherbrooke, Saturday night. The fire was caused by a lamp explosion.
The Winnipeg Tribune
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
June 24, 1901

1906
Sherbrooke, a city and port of Quebec, capital of the co. of Sherbrooke, on the river Magog, and its junction with the St. Francis, and on the Boston and Maine, the Grand Trunk and other railroads, 101 miles E. of Montreal. It has manufactures of woollen and cotton goods, flannels, iron casting, machinery, powder, pulp and paper, malted liquors, etc. Pop. in 1901, 11,765. Sherbrooke is the seat of a Roman Catholic bishop.
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

1913 - Église de Notre-Dame-du-Perpétuel-Secours established at Sherbrooke

www.gcatholic.org

1916 - August 15, 1916 - World War I - Embarkation of the 117th Sherbrooke Infantry Battalion for service in France.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ August_15

1917 - Typhoid Breaks Out At Sherbrooke, Que. Fifty Cases of Most Malignant Type Attributed to Bad Drinking Water.
Special to the Journal.
SHERBROOKE, Que., March 2. - There are fifty cases of typhoid fever here now and the health authorities attribute the cause to impure drinking water. The disease is of a very malignant type and a number of deaths have occurred. In one family, father, mother and two sons died within a few hours of each other.
The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
March 2, 1917

1921 - Église de Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc established at Sherbrooke

www.gcatholic.org

1954 - October 17 - Education - Official opening of the new Université de Sherbrooke.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ October_17

Sherbrooke
Located on Abenaki land, Sherbrooke was initially known as Ktinékétolékouac or Grandes Fourches ("The Large Forks"), and was the site of a portage at the foot of the falls of the Rivière Magog. The first permanent settlement was established in 1802 when American pioneers from Vermont built several mills. The village took the name of Governor General John Coape Sherbrooke in 1818. The city owes its initial urban growth to industrialization, which occurred in waves from the 1840s. It became a textile centre with the establishment of Canada's first cotton manufacturing plant in 1844 and a large wool plant in 1867.

The town owed its success in the 19th century as much to its dynamic anglophone businessmen, who established a regional bank and promoted railways and new industries, as to its francophone population, which supplied much of the industrial manpower.

The development of agriculture and mining in the region also enhanced Sherbrooke's role as a wholesale trade and services... Read MORE...

2002 - City of Sherbrooke is formed
On January 1, 2002, eight entities were merged -Ascot, Bromptonville, Deauville, Fleurimont, Lennoxville, Rock Forest, Saint-Élie-d'Orford and Sherbrooke, thus creating the new city of Sherbrooke, a major urban, economic, industrial and commercial.

The distance between Sherbrooke and Montreal is quite short, as the time required for the trip is one hour and 20 minutes, while to get to Quebec it takes 2 and a half hours. In addition, the city is located very close to the American border.

The city is bilingual.
grandquebec.com

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Sherbrooke:
Mont-Bellevue Park: Start your exploration of Sherbrooke at Mont-Bellevue Park, a sprawling green space that offers hiking trails, cross-country skiing in the winter, and panoramic views of the city from its summit. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts: Art enthusiasts should visit this museum, which features a diverse collection of Canadian and international art. From classical paintings to contemporary installations, you'll find a wide range of artistic styles here.

Magog River Gorge: Take a stroll along the picturesque Magog River Gorge, located in the heart of the city. This tranquil setting is perfect for a relaxing walk, and there are often outdoor exhibitions and events happening along the riverbanks.

Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum: This museum is a fantastic place for families. It offers interactive exhibits on natural history, science, and the environment. Kids will love the hands-on learning... Read MORE...