Pied-du-Courant Prison facts for kids
The prison, Monument aux Patriotes and a part of wall
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| Location | 903, avenue de Lorimier Montreal, Quebec H2K 3V9 |
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| Coordinates | 45°31′25″N 73°32′47″W / 45.5236°N 73.5465°W |
| Status | Closed |
| Security class | historic site (1978) |
| Capacity | over 276 |
| Opened | 1835 |
| Closed | 1912 |
| Managed by | Société des alcools du Québec |
| Governor | Charles-Amédée Vallée - from 1895 to 1912 |
The Pied-du-Courant Prison is a historic building in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is located near the Saint Lawrence River and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Today, it also serves as a museum.
A Look Inside the Old Prison
The idea for a new prison in Montreal began in 1825. An architect named George Blaiklock first drew up plans. However, John Wells designed the building that was finally built. His design was inspired by a prison in Philadelphia.
The prison opened in 1836. It was built to hold over 276 prisoners. But during the 1837-1838 rebellion, it held more than 1500 people. Many people involved in the Lower Canada Rebellion were held and executed here in 1838.
The Pied-du-Courant Prison operated until 1912. It was then replaced by the Bordeaux Prison. The building was empty for nine years. In 1921, a company called the Société des alcools du Québec bought it. This company manages alcoholic drinks in Quebec. The old prison became their main office.
Some parts of the prison building were changed over time. The original roof on the front was removed. A fourth floor was added, and a new section was built at the back. Part of the front wall was taken down, but the main gate and another wall stayed.
Today, the prison also has a museum. It tells the story of the Patriotes. These were people who fought for change during the Lower Canada Rebellion. A special gathering is often held here on National Patriote Day.
The Monument to the Patriotes
The Monument aux Patriotes is a special statue. It stands in front of the old Pied-du-Courant Prison. This area is known as the Place of the Patriots.
The famous sculptor Alfred Laliberté created this monument. It was officially shown to the public on June 24, 1926. The monument has three sides. Each side has a bronze picture carved into it. These pictures show important Patriotes: Chevalier de Lorimier, Louis-Joseph Papineau, and Wolfred Nelson.
Gallery
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Sketch by André Jobin, 1838
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The prison in 1839
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Governeur house
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See also
In Spanish: Prisión de Pied-du-Courant para niños
