small flourish

The Town

[ Plan of Montréal in 1734, Chaussegros de Léry, Gaspard-Joseph, Bibliothèque nationale de France Topographie-matière (suppléments non classés), vol. 16, T. 1, Amérique septentrionale ]

The fire and the trial took place in an 18th century urban setting. In this section, you will become acquainted with the characteristics of an urban centre and its buildings. In addition, in order to better understand the reaction of the citizens of Montréal to the fire of April 10, 1734, it is important to understand the consequences of fires and the measures taken to prevent them.

What were the main characteristics of this city in 1734? How did the fire spread so quickly? Could fires be prevented or even contained? How did construction practices and regulations regarding construction evolve in order to limit the damage caused by fires? What was the main purpose of fire and why was it constantly viewed as dangerous?

Montréal in 1734

Books

Colonial Correspondence

Government Documents

Maps

Buildings

Government Documents

Miscellaneous

Fire

Books

Colonial Correspondence

Court Documents

Diaries, Journals or Reminiscences

Government Documents

Miscellaneous