November 16 2012
If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you may recall seeing an image of the Maison du Gouverneur I shot from the Jacques Cartier bridge during the Italian fireworks display.
The house was built for Charles-Amédée Vallée, the last Governor of the old Montreal prison in 1895. Since 1992 the SAQ used it as a venue to promote wine and gastronomy, but closed its doors at the end of last year.
The home is located next to the old prison Pied-du-Courant which was built in 1825. The prison was originally built to house 276 prisoners, but during the 1837/8 rebellion it was holding 1500 patriotes, 12 of whom were hanged. The prison operated until 1912. In 1921 the building was acquired by the SAQ and together with the new extension at the rear remains the Quebec Liquor boards Headquarters.
In addition to being the SAQ HQ, there’s also the Centre d’exposition La Prison-des-Patriotes which recalls the rebellions of 1837/8.
At the front of the old prison is the Monument aux Patriotes by Alfred Laliberté.
While I was in the area, I crossed over avenue de Lorimier to the other side of the Jacques Cartier bridge to grab a shot of the old Craig pumping station.
If you’re interested, more images of the pumping station can be seen here.
To view images in gallery format, simply click on one of the images below.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.
– Martin