Jacques Viger (mayor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jacques Viger
1st Mayor of Montreal
In office June 5, 1833 – 1836
Succeeded by	Peter McGill
Personal details
Born	May 7, 1787 Montreal, Lower Canada
Died	December 12, 1858(1858-12-12) (aged 71) Montreal, Lower Canada
Resting place	Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Church
Spouse	Marie-Marguerite La Corne
Relations	Louis-Joseph Papineau (cousin)
Children	3
Alma mater	Collège de Montréal
Profession	Antiquarian, archaeologist
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Jacques Viger (born May 7, 1787 – died December 12, 1858) was a very important person in Montreal's history. He was an antiquarian, which means he studied old things. He was also an archaeologist, someone who digs up and studies ancient artifacts. Most famously, he was the very first mayor of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Jacques Viger's Life Story

Plaque honouring Viger in Vauquelin Square

Jacques Viger was born in Montreal. His father, also named Jacques Viger, was a politician. Young Jacques went to school at the Sulpician college in Montreal.

In 1808, he married Marie Marguerite La Corne. They had three children, but sadly, all of them passed away when they were very young.

After finishing school, Viger moved to Quebec. There, he worked as an editor for a newspaper called Le Canadien. He did this from November 1808 to May 1809.

Viger also served in the military. He was a captain in a group called the Canadian Voltigeurs. He fought under Charles de Salaberry during the War of 1812. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain, with Canada on the British side.

In 1833, Jacques Viger made history. He was elected as the first mayor of Montreal. As mayor, he worked hard to make the city cleaner and healthier. He focused on improving the city's sanitation.

Even though he didn't publish many books, Viger was known worldwide for his archaeological work. Many famous historians from France and the United States used his huge collection of old papers and notes. He spent forty years gathering these important historical documents.

Viger created a special collection called "Sabretache." It had 28 volumes filled with old plans, maps, pictures, and valuable notes. These notes helped explain many confusing parts of history. In 1857, just a year before he died, he founded the Historical Society of Montreal. This society helps preserve and study Montreal's past.

Pope Pius IX, the leader of the Catholic Church, gave Viger a special honour. He made him a knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Jacques Viger passed away on December 12, 1858, at the age of 71. He was buried in the crypt of the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Church a few days later.

Places Named After Jacques Viger

To remember his important contributions, several places in Montreal are named after Jacques Viger. These include Viger Square and the Jacques Viger Building.

Want to Learn More?

Jacques Viger's image in stained glass in the McGill Station of the Montreal Metro. You can see him next to the image of Peter McGill, who became mayor after Viger.

• List of presidents of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society of Montreal
• List of mayors of Montreal