Saint-Quentin Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Île Saint-Quentin
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 Saint-Quentin Island
Location in Quebec
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| Geography | |
| Location | Saint-Maurice River |
| Coordinates | 46°21′09″N 72°31′39″W / 46.35250°N 72.52750°W |
| Area | 0.38 km2 (0.15 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Province | Quebec |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 (2011) |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | Parc de l'Île-Saint-Quentin (Saint-Quentin Island Park) |
Saint-Quentin Island is a cool place located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. It sits right where the Saint-Maurice River meets the big Saint Lawrence River. This special spot, along with two other islands, gave the city of Trois-Rivières its name, which means "three rivers." That's because the Saint-Maurice River splits into three channels as it flows into the Saint Lawrence.
The island got its name from a fur trader and judge named Quentin Moral, also known as Saint-Quentin. Today, it's a popular spot for outdoor fun and relaxing right in the middle of the city. The island's patron saint is Quentin de Rome.
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Exploring Saint-Quentin Island's Past
Who Lived on the Island First?
Long ago, an Algonquin tribe lived on Saint-Quentin Island. They grew corn, which was an important food for them. You might know it as "Indian corn."
When Did Europeans Arrive?
On October 7, 1535, a famous explorer named Jacques Cartier visited the island. He planted a cross there. This was a way to say that the land now belonged to France. Nearly a hundred years later, a Jesuit priest named Paul Le Jeune saw old fences and cleared fields. These were signs that Native Americans had once grown corn there.
How Did the Island Get Its Name?
On June 2, 1647, the governor, Charles de Montmagny, allowed three people to clear the island. Their names were François Marguerie, Jean Veron de Grandmesnil, and Claude David. For a while, the island was called "Grandmesnil Island" after Jean Véron. It was known as "terre à roture," which meant it was land for ordinary people.
But Jean Véron de Grandmesnil passed away soon after. So, the island was renamed "Île de la Trinité" (Trinidad Island) for a short time. In the early 1660s, François Marguerie gave his land to his sister Marie. She was married to Quentin Morale, also known as Saint-Quentin. That's when the island finally became known as "Île Saint-Quentin." For a long time, from the 1700s to the late 1800s, the island was mostly left untouched.
Becoming a Fun Park
In the 1930s, people started to see the island as a great place for recreation. The City of Trois-Rivières tried to buy the island in 1933. But it wasn't until November 3, 1947, that the city finally owned the land. Before that, the Royal Canadian Navy even used it as a training camp!
Over time, more services were added, starting in 1950. The park and beach on Saint-Quentin Island officially opened on June 24, 1962. About 5,000 people came for the opening, and over 100,000 visitors came that year! Since then, the island has added many cool things. These include a marina for boats, a bike path, a special trail to learn about nature, and even a place for camping. Many businesses and festivals now happen on the island every year.
What Other Names Did the Island Have?
Saint-Quentin Island has had several names over the years:
- Île Saint-Quentin (named after Judge Quentin Moral)
- Île aux Cochons (Pigs Island)
- Île de Grandmesnil (named after Jean Véron Grandmesnil)
- Île de la Trinité (Trinidad Island)
- Île Maillet
- Île Martel
- Îles George Baptist
Fun Events and Festivals on the Island
Saint-Quentin Island hosts many exciting events and festivals throughout the year:
- Symposium of painting (where artists show their work)
- Movies of the Island (outdoor movie nights when it gets dark)
- Beach Party "La Plage" (a big beach party)
- La Playa "Beach Club" (a special beach club)
- Family Festival of Saint-Quentin Island (fun for the whole family)
- International Canoe Classic Mauricie (the finish line for a big canoe race)
- The Festival of Colors
