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History and heritage

L’Orignal through time

History lovers will undoubtedly appreciate our timeline, which gœs all the way back to 1674 when François Provost received a seigniory of approximately 23,000 acres. The timeline features milestones interspersed with fascinating facts, which show just how much history is packed into this scenic corner of the country.

1674
1791
1794
1796
1800
1805
1812
1816
1821
1823
1824
1824
1825
1826
1827
1832
1833
1833
1834
1835
1836
1840
1840
1847
1850
1850
1851
1856
1860
1861
1862
1870
1871
1874
1876
1883
1885
1891
1891
1901
1903
1904
1908
1913
1927
1931
1933
1941
1962
1962
1966
1998
2001
2003
2005
2005
2007
2009
2011
2011
2014
2015
Development
The West India Company grants François Provost a seigniory of approximately 23,000 acres in Pointe-à-L'Orignac (now L'Orignal) on the Ottawa River, known as Grande Rivière at the time. Through inheritance, Provost's seigneury becomes the property of the de Longueuil family, owners of several seigniories including Soulanges and Nouvelle-Longueuil. The remoteness of the Pointe-à-L'Orignac property from the de Longueuils' other seigniories bordering the St. Lawrence River, does not encourage colonists to settle here. Also, since the land borders the Ottawa River fur trade route, the government is reluctant to organize colonization, fearing that settlers will devote themselves more to the trade than to land clearing and agriculture. The seigniory of Pointe-à-L'Orignac is put up for sale on several occasions by Paul-Joseph Le Moyne, Chevalier de Longueuil, then later, by his son, Joseph-Dominique Emmanuel de Longueuil, without finding a buyer.
Development
The Constitutional Act of 1791 divides the colony in two: Lower Canada, with a French-speaking majority, and Upper Canada, divided into townships and concessions to attract British and American immigrants. Thus, the seigniory by then known as Pointe-à-L'Orignal becomes part of Upper Canada.
Historical figures
Nathaniel Hazard Treadwell, a 26-year-old American civil engineer and surveyor, and his young wife Margaret Platt, whom he married in 1792, move to Canada. They settle at St. Andrew's East (now St. André d’Argenteuil), Lower Canada, on the north shore of the Ottawa River close to the mouth of the North River.
Development
When the Chevalier de Longueuil puts the seigniory of Pointe-à-L'Orignal up for sale, Nathaniel Hazard Treadwell promptly buys this vast expanse of land along the Ottawa River for a sum now equivalent to about $150,000.
Development
Nathaniel Hazard Treadwell and his family settle on his seigniorial domain at L'Orignal and invite fellow Americans to follow in his footsteps and start clearing land for themselves. He also builds a saw and grist mill on the banks of Mill Creek on the seigniory. Treadwell was a strong man renowned for his work and hospitality; he was known as «a gentleman who had the stamina of a lumberjack ».
Development
Built by Alexander Grant, this large stone house was inspired by the Grant family home in Inverness, Scotland, also known as Duldraeggan. After more than 200 years, it still stands proudly at the end of the tree-lined avenue.
Government
Nathaniel Hazard Treadwell's colonization efforts come to an abrupt end when war breaks out between Great Britain and the United States. Since he has not sworn allegiance to the British Crown and refuses to do so, Treadwell is declared an alien enemy. He and his family have to return to the United States, and the seigniory is confiscated by the Ontario government. Despite his absence, the small colony of L'Orignal slowly continues to progress.
L'Orignal jail/Court house
Following the creation of the Ottawa District, the Court of Quarter Sessions begins hearing cases in the Township of Longueuil.
Provincial court of justice
Built by John W. Marston, the stone building at the corner of King and Court Streets is one of the oldest in all of Eastern Ontario. It first serves as a hotel and later becomes the Poulin-Clément General Store. Among the past owners are J. Millar, the Neeve brothers, Basile R. Poulin, Adhémar Clément and Henri Clément. The building became L’Orignal’s Town Hall in 1968 and today, it houses the Ontario Court of Justice.
L'Orignal jail/Court house
Discussions begin for the building of a courthouse and prison in L'Orignal for the Ottawa District.
L'Orignal jail/court house
Jacob Marston, a prominent citizen of L'Orignal, offers two acres of land for the construction of the courthouse.
Historical figures
Charles Platt Treadwell, the second son of Margaret and Nathaniel Hazard Treadwell, returns to L'Orignal and renews ties with the settlers and the government. His efforts bear fruit as he regains possession of his father's land. Like his father, Charles is a civil engineer and surveyor, having studied in the United States.
L'Orignal jail/court house
Inauguration of the L'Orignal courthouse, a beautiful stone building in the classic neo-loyalist style built by the contractors McDonald and Beckworth. The building is expanded several times thereafter.
Development
Construction of a building at the corner of John and Queen Streets by Frederic Winters to serve as a general store. It later became a post office for many years. It is now a private residence.
Government
According to the law, L'Orignal still holds the title of seigniory. Thus, Charles Platt Treadwell is required to swear allegiance before Lord Dalhousie, Governor General at the time, on March 1, 1827 in Quebec City.
Religion
Construction begins on St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest churches in the area. It is built between 1832 and 1836 by William Moody, under the direction of Reverend John McLaurin. Minister of the Church of Scotland and a teacher, he preached at Lochiel and L'Orignal. At the time of Reverend McLaurin's death, the church has not yet been completed for lack of funds. The church's Trustees, the Honourable Alexander Grant, William Waits, Charles Platt Treadwell, John W. Marston and Peter Sterling, contributed significantly to its financing. (In 1920 the steeple, which once topped the tower, was destroyed by fire.)
Religion
A small, very rudimentary church is built to serve the many Catholics who settle in L'Orignal.
Development
John Marston builds a stone house on an enchanting site on Wharf Street. This house, The Anchorage (Riverest), remains one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Ontario. Large chequered windows crowned by arches, two large chimneys and a long porch lined by fine pillars give the house an elegant charm. Latticework on the side of the porch and in arches between posts adds to its harmony.
Development
Charles Platt Treadwell receives over 3,000 acres of land as compensation for the land confiscated from his father in 1812, when he was seignior of the region. Charles also marries Helen Macdonell (1801-1881) in 1834.
Historical figures
Charles Platt Treadwell becomes Sheriff of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, a position he holds until his death in 1873. The title appears on his headstone in Cassburn Cemetery.
Religion
Father J.H. MacDonagh is the first resident priest in the young Catholic parish of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, then part of the Kingston diocese. He opens the first register for baptisms, marriages and deaths.
Historical figures
Nathaniel Hazard Treadwell, expelled from the seigniory in 1812, returns to L'Orignal with his wife Margaret at the invitation of their son Charles. They remain in L'Orignal until their deaths in 1856 and 1858, respectively. They are buried at the Cassburn Cemetery.
Religion
For several decades, the Methodist settlers of Cassburn had been served by circuit-riding pastors of the Methodist Episcopal Church based in the United States. In 1840, a stone church is built in Cassburn, on a parcel of land donated to the community by N. H. Treadwell for the establishment of a church, a cemetery and a schoolhouse. (The old building known as “the Seigniory Church” no longer exists, having been replaced by a larger brick church in 1903.)
Religion
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish becomes part of the Diocese of Bytown, later Ottawa. This is the third catholic parish established in Ontario. It has successively been part of the dioceses of Quebec, Kingston and Ottawa.
L'Orignal jail/court house
Expansion of the courthouse with the addition of the west wing.
Development
Évariste Brabant builds a stone building for use as a hotel. (In its heyday, L'Orignal had three hotels, all on King Street.) Over time, the building is known under several names: Hotel Ontario, Riverview Hotel, Bar Mon Village and Resto Bar L’Orignal. Today, it is an apartment building.
Religion
The construction of a new church is necessary. Father Bourassa, pastor of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste parish, drafts the plans for the new church and works on its construction until 1854. Father Bouvier completes the interior work 10 years later.
Development
Construction of the L'Orignal wharf by engineer William Lendrum.
Religion
Built by John W. Higginson, St. Andrew's Church Manse is an elegant stone residence on King Street. It is inspired by Scottish architecture, including its arches, Gothic gables, and three-section windows. It is first used as a home for ministers of the Presbyterian Church and later the United Church. However, changes over the years have not altered its style.
Development
The wharf, built five years earlier, is extended by 1,300 feet, (396.24 m) in 1861. At the time, it is the longest wharf between Ottawa and Montreal. L'Orignal therefore becomes a port where ships can moor and drop off passengers and cargo. A stagecoach transports visitors to the Grand Hotel in Caledonia Springs, a few kilometers southwest of the village.
L'Orignal prison/court house
The courthouse and prison (west wing) are expanded to include the Prison Warden's quarters.
Religion
The Catholic Church first rectory was built in 1847. In the wake of the new church's construction, Bishop Guigues makes it possible to build a new rectory. Several changes were made over the next twenty-five years, modifying its exterior appearance. Today, it houses the parish’s office as well as lodgings.
Religion
Anglican services begin to be regularly held in L’Orignal, in the home of Watson Little.
Development
Beginning of the construction of a building at the corner of Court and Queen Streets on land sold by John W. Marston. With its large vault providing security for registered documents, this building serves as a registry office until 1981. The registry office then moved to the basement of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell building, and finally was transferred to Hawkesbury. The old Registry Office in L’Orignal, now renovated, is the site of the Provincial Offences Court.
Government
L’Orignal is incorporated into a village whose boundaries include part of Cassburn, Ste-Anne Road, Highway 17 and Bay Road.
L'Orignal prison/court house
First hanging at L’Orignal Prison: Mr. Frederic Mann, an 18-year-old British male, is hanged on October 12, 1883, around 8:00 a.m. He is found guilty of the murder of four people and assaulting three others, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries. The victims belong to the Cooke family of Chute-à-Blondeau (formerly Petit Rideau).
Historical figures
The elegant Victorian residence, located at the corner of John and King Streets, is built for Eden Philo Johnson. He was the husband of Isabella Treadwell, whose father was sheriff Charles Platt Treadwell, the last seignior of L’Orignal. The house is of neo-Gothic inspiration with its red bricks, slender turret, and gables on the façade decorated with embellishments. Over the years, it is occupied by Judge Constantineau — who expands it in 1901 — then, for nearly 90 years, by lawyer Edmond Proulx (MP then judge) and his son, lawyer Henri Proulx. Thereafter and until 2005, it is owned by Bernard Pilon, a local businessman.
L'Orignal prison/court house
Second hanging at the L’Orignal prison: Mr. Narcisse Larocque, a 23-year-old French-Canadian, is hanged on June 4, 1891, around 8:00 a.m. He is found guilty of the rape and murder of two young girls, the McGonigle sisters of Cumberland, ON.
Religion
Construction of a wooden church at the corner of King and Peter Streets for members of the Anglican community. The new church was ready in time for Christmas and was named The Church of the Nativity.
Religion
The parish of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de L'Orignal is established canonically.
Religion
Construction of the new brick Methodist Church in Cassburn, replacing the stone version dating from 1840. (In 1925, the congregation voted to become part of the newly founded United Church of Canada.)
L'Orignal prison/court house
Third hanging in L'Orignal Prison: Mr. Clément Goyette, a French-Canadian from Montreal, QC, about 36 years old, is hanged on April 28, 1904, at about 8:00 a.m. He is found guilty of the murder of two people and assaulting another. The victims are members of the Colligan family from Alfred, ON.
Development
A red brick house with a turret is built for Alexandre Châtelain, a respected insurance broker and businessman. The Châtelain House is designed in the image of great English residences. A solarium was later added, c 1960.
Historical figures
A residence, built in 1876 for John and Annie Fraser, is purchased from lawyer W. Hall by the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. The building is named Convent of Our Lady of the Angels. The exterior appearance of this house has changed very little since its construction.
Religion
Mr. T. X. Renaud, a famous church painter in Quebec, French Ontario and the United States, is placed in charge of the decoration of Saint-Jean Baptiste Church. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in the diocese. Despite several interior transformations since its construction, the church still has magnificent frescoes as well as a Casavant Opus 510 organ, acquired in 1910. Four priests are buried in its crypt.
Religion
The parish of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de L'Orignal is consecrated.
L'Orignal prison/court house
The last two hangings in L'Orignal Prison happen on the same day: March 15, 1933, at about 1:00 a.m. William Larocque, 57 years of age, and Emmanuel Lavictoire, 51 years of age, French-Canadians from Cumberland, ON, are found guilty of fraud and the murder of Léo Bergeron of Cumberland, aged around 25. (A total of 5 men were hanged at L’Orignal Prison.)
Development
The village of L'Orignal loses a large part of the territory previously granted to it at the time of the incorporation deed in 1876. Several farmers ask to be incorporated into the Township of Longueuil where taxes were lower.
Government
Construction of administrative offices for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.
Development
The last vestiges of the wharf demolished in 1940, such as the posts and the stone foundation, are blasted during the construction of the Carillon dam.
Development
Development of L'Orignal Municipal Park in collaboration with the Township of Longueuil to commemorate the centennial of Canada’s Confederation in 1967. The mayors at the time were Alexandre Séguin (L'Orignal) and Georges Charbonneau (Longueuil).
L'Orignal prison/court house
Ontario's oldest prison, the only francophone prison in the province, closes its doors. The second floor remains occupied by the courthouse.
Religion
The year 2001 marks the end of an era when Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish had a full-time resident parish priest. Committed parishioners agree to take charge of the parish, supported and guided by the various facilitating priests who have succeeded one another in providing religious services.
Religion
St. Andrew's Church (now a United Church used only in summer), closes its doors permanently. Although privately owned since 2005, its interior still retains its old-fashioned look, with the old pews and cloth-covered kneelers.
Miscellaneous
Incorporation of the non-profit organization Patrimoine L’Orignal-Longueuil Heritage (PLLH). PLLH carries out its activities with no prospect of gain on behalf of its members. Any profits or other revenues are used strictly for the achievement of its objectives. This organization's mission is to recognize, protect, safeguard, and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the village of L'Orignal in the municipality of Champlain, including the territory of the former Seigneurie de Pointe-à-L'Orignac, through research and conservation, interpretation and promotion activities.
Laurier Pilon Park
Official opening of Laurier Pilon Park in the center of the village on October 1, 2005. Laurier Pilon left his mark in the history of L'Orignal and the development of recreation. His great devotion to young people was contagious: sponsors and volunteers agreed to help him carry out his projects. A plaque honours his memory.
Miscellaneous
In July, François Morency, Quebec comedian, visits L'Orignal as part of the filming of the television series La petite séduction. Everyone in town mobilizes to make this visit an unforgettable event. Creative activities are organized: a legend, games, the involvement of children, a glider flight, a field hockey game with Jean-Marc Lalonde and Gary Barton as referees, an imprisonment, and to top things off... a prison break.
Religion
In 2009-2010, the Soleil Levant Pastoral Unit comes into effect, under the direction of Father Gilles Marcil and Bishop Gérard St-Denis, a facilitator priest. The unit is composed of six Roman Catholic parishes: L’Orignal, Vankleek Hill, Saint-Bernardin, Saint-Eugène, Sainte-Anne de Prescott, and Chute-à-Blondeau.
Miscellaneous
The historical society, Patrimoine L'Orignal-Longueuil Heritage, publishes a commemorative book entitled “L'Orignal-Longueuil Through the Years”, relating the history of the village of L'Orignal and the rural area of the former Township of Longueuil.
Religion
175th Anniversary of the founding of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish in L'Orignal.
Religion
The Church of the Nativity closes its doors and becomes a private residence. Nevertheless, it retains its unique character.
Development
Sacha's Park is a unique playground where accessibility and inclusion are the main focus. The idea for the park was inspired by a young boy from L’Orignal named Sacha Chenier, who had multiple disabilities and couldn't play in traditional playgrounds. After Sacha passed away in 2014, the community rallied to build a playground where children like him would be able to play with everyone else. Sacha's Park features accessible play structures, a splash pad, and sensory elements that cater to children of all abilities.

PATRIMOINE L’ORIGNAL-LONGUEUIL HERITAGE​

Incorporated in 2005, Patrimoine L’Orignal-Longueuil Heritage (PLLH) is a non-profit organization carrying out its activities for the benefit of its community. Any profits or other revenues generated, serve strictly to achieve its objectives. The mission of PLLH is to recognize, protect, safeguard and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the village of L’Orignal and the territory of the former seigniory of Pointe-à-L’Orignal, through research and conservation, interpretation, and promotional activities.

Heritage conservation efforts

Numerous projects have been undertaken to preserve the heritage of L’Orignal and environs. These include:

Acquisition of documents and artifacts related to our founding family: the Treadwells

Extensive historical research, including interviews with WW2 veterans

Inventory of liturgical vestments from St-Jean-Baptiste Parish and implementation of preservation steps

Development of a walking tour showing L’Orignal’s historic houses and buildings

Writing and publishing (2011) a commemorative book: L’Orignal-Longueuil Through the Years

Creation of the Heritage Corner at King St. and Bay Road, in partnership with Champlain Township

Commemorative book

In 2011, the historical society Patrimoine L’Orignal-Longueuil Heritage (PLLH) published the commemorative book “L’Orignal-Longueuil Through the years”, recounting the story of the village of L’Orignal and the rural region of the former Township of Longueuil.

This book is available for $30. To obtain a copy, please contact us.

Our veterans

During the Second World War, L’Orignal and surrounding area witnessed the departure of a large number of young men who enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. Whatever the reason for enlistment, these young men never imagined they would experience such dramatic moments in the air, at sea or on the battle front.

It was often with great emotion that these people you will read about, shared their memories with us. Almost all the men served overseas while a few remained in Canada, involved in running the war machine.

According to our research, there were no women from L’Orignal and immediate area enlisted in the Armed Forces. However, many worked in factories helping build aircraft, bombs and munitions, and thus, lived the war in their own way. Fear for loved ones fighting overseas, caring for children and family on the home front, were an integral part of their lives.

By recording data from interviews, we became in a way “guardians of the memory” of the life-changing events experienced by these young people from our region.

Let us salute these young fighters who committed themselves to defend freedom decades ago. To all of them, a heartfelt THANK YOU. We will never forget.

our veterans profiles

More history, please!

Contact us if you would like to learn more! Arrangements can be made to visit the archives stored at the L’Orignal Old Jail.

Also, if you have information you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact us