Bounded by the Trout and Chateauguay rivers and the Quebec - United States border, Elgin is a totally rural community of less than 500 people. Its small fields and many stone houses attest to the first Scottish settlers who began arriving in the early 1800s.
In 1855, the Municipality of the Township of Elgin was formed with the present town hall being built in 1869. The councillors and people of Elgin continue to value and protect their 'forgotten corner of Quebec, with its history, quiet roads, forests and rivers.
The first settlers of Elgin were of Scottish origin and this may have accounted for the thrift which has always been exercised in this municipality's affairs. Among the settlers was Joseph Scriver, who provided the first sawmill for the early community.
Later, an American named Buck provided for gristing facilities and saved the people from a long trek to have their grain ground into flour.
Elgin started in 1821 with an American named "Buck", and we've been careful with the "buck" ever since!
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| Powerscourt Covered Bridge courtesy - Percy |
The townships of Elgin and Hinchinbrooke are joined by the Powerscourt Covered Bridge as it crosses the Chateauguay River on the First Concession. The Powerscourt Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in south-western Québec. Of the one hundred and fifteen throughout the province of Québec, the vast majority, some fifty-five, are found within the original Eastern Townships.
The Powercourt Bridge, built in 1861, is the oldest covered bridge in Québec, and the only one in the world built using the McCallum inflexible arched truss.
Elgin is 149 km (2 hrs.) from St. Hyacinthe and 344 km ( 3 hrs. 43 min.) from Quebec City.
My parents lived in Elgin for a few years, in a little log cabin on a friends property. I'd be standing by the kitchen window preparing dinner and cows would be walking by heading to their barn next door.
ReplyDeleteThere is a Scout camp by the Powerscourt bridge and every year for about 8-9 years I camped there with my Girl Guides. We would often hike to Moonlight Lake. It is surely a beautiful area!
Love those covered bridges...so quaint.
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