The Parliament of United-Canada in Montreal, 1843-1849: an exceptional archaeological site.

• Author: Pothier, Louise
• Position: Montreal, Quebec

The exposure of the remains of the Parliament of United-Canada in recent years by Pointe-a-Calliere culminated in 2017 with massive archaeological excavations. Coinciding with Montreal's 375th anniversary and Confederation's 150th, the discoveries made at this important place in the political history of Montreal, Quebec and Canada are significant; the site's spatial extent and the wealth of material remains discovered have captured our imagination. All through the summer, visitors have been able to come close to archaeologists in an environment that promoted comprehension of a site characterized by the remarkable state of preservation of its architectural remains. But a number of surprises were awaiting: the richness of the artifacts recovered and documents thus far unknown challenge our understanding of this fundamental episode in Canadian history. Here are some highlights of this ongoing investigation.

A site rescued from oblivion

For more than 80 years, until 2010, a vast urban tract located on Place D'Youville in Old Montreal was used as a parking lot. Nonetheless, that place was burdened with history. In 1832, what was to become Montreal's first indoor market, St. Anne's Market, was built in a neoclassical style inspired by Boston's Quincy Market and London's Kensington Market. Measuring more than 100 meters long, it was then the largest civil building in the city. Even more remarkable, architects John Wells and Francis Thompson erected the building squarely on top of Little Saint-Pierre River. This became possible through the construction of a gigantic stone vaulted canal. From then on, the river flowed underground over a few hundred meters toward the St. Lawrence River.

A short decade after its inauguration, the building's vocation was modified: food distribution made way for politics! In 1843, the government of the Province of Canada, also known as United-Canada, had been centered in Kingston for only two years when all the representatives called for relocation to a more suitable place, for themselves as well as for their families and the employees that gravitate around the institution. All eyes turned to Montreal, which was then the country's largest city. The city's businesses were thriving and it had brand new maritime infrastructures and a booming downtown with hotels and inns. It was decided that Montreal was to become the first permanent capital of the Province of Canada. At least that was the plan. The government leased the St. Anne's Market to house the Parliament Chambers. Architect George Browne was in charge of renovations to modernize the interior spaces and adapt them to their new function. Until 1849 it...