Coteau-du-Lac Historical Significance Plaque

Coteau-du-Lac,
Type
Other

This memorial was erected in 1980 and recognizes the importance of Coteau-du-Lac in history. For centuries, rapids impeded travel on the St. Lawrence River in the Cornwall, ON – Valleyfield, QC area between Lac St François and Lac St Louis. The Royal Engineers first attempted to improve the passage by constructing the Ordnance Canals in 1779-1983. These canals were succeeded by the Beauharnois Canal in 1842-1845 and that was, in turn, replaced by the Soulanges Canal in 1892-1899. Today, a section of the St Lawrence Seaway south of Valleyfield bears the name Beauharnois Canal.

Inscription

COTEAU-DU-LAC

De 1778 jusqu’au milieu du 19ième siècle, Coteau-du Lac
fut le sited’un poste militaire britannique qui défendait le couloir et facilitait le transport des marchandises sur le fleuve St-Laurent. Il fut un point stratégique pendant la Révolution américaine et pendant la Guerre de 1812, alors qu’on le fortifia pour améloirer sa position. En plus d’être un dépôt d’approvisionnement et unfort, Coteau-du-Lac fut le site d’un des plus anciens canaux à écluses en Amérique du nord. Construit en 1779 - 1780, ce canal a été utilisé jusqu’au moment où il fut remplacé par le canal Beauharnois, au cours des années 1840.

From 1778 until the mid-19th century Coteau-du-Lac was the site of a British military post which defended the passage and facilitated the transportation of supplies along the St. Lawrence. It was of strategic importance to the defence of Canada during the American Revolution and during the War of 1812 when its fortifications were added to strengthen its position. In addition to the supply depot and fort, one of the earliest locks in North America was constructed here in 1779-80 on a canal which was in continual use until it was superseded by the Beauharnois Canal in the 1840’s.

[The balance of the wording is not clear in the photo./Le reste du texte n'est pas clair sur la photo.]

Location
Coteau-du-Lac Historical Significance Plaque

308A du Fleuve Road
Coteau-du-Lac
GPS Coordinates
Lat. 45.2877434
Long. -74.1771997

surroundings

Parks Canada, Quebec Service Centre/Parcs Canada, Centre de services du Québec
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plaque

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