Why is neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve called Hochelaga-Maisonneuve?

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, often abbreviated as HOMA, gets its name from two distinct historical references that reflect its deep roots in Montreal’s past:

Hochelaga

Hochelaga: This part of the name refers to a 16th-century Iroquoian village that was located near the present-day city of Montreal. When French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in the area in 1535, he encountered the village of Hochelaga. The name “Hochelaga” itself is believed to come from the Indigenous language, possibly meaning “beaver path” or “big rapids,” reflecting the geography and wildlife of the area at the time. Over the centuries, the name Hochelaga became associated with the eastern part of Montreal.

Maisonneuve

Maisonneuve: This part of the name honors Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, a French military officer who founded the city of Montreal in 1642. He was sent by the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal to establish a mission in New France, which eventually grew into the city we know today. Maisonneuve is celebrated as a key figure in Montreal’s early history, and his legacy is commemorated in various parts of the city, including in the name of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve was officially established in the late 19th century when these two areas were combined. Originally, Hochelaga was a small village that was annexed by the rapidly growing city of Montreal in 1883. Later, in 1889, the area of Maisonneuve, which was an independent town, was also annexed. As Montreal expanded, these two historic areas merged, forming the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood.

Today, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a vibrant and diverse community, blending its rich history with modern urban life. The neighbourhood retains its historical significance while embracing the cultural and social developments of contemporary Montreal.

Who were the Iroquois of St Lawrence?

 

The Iroquois village of Hochelaga was an Indigenous settlement that existed in the 16th century, located in the area that is now modern-day Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The village was inhabited by the St. Lawrence Iroquoians, a group of Indigenous people who lived along the St. Lawrence River from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Here’s a closer look at the Iroquois village of Hochelaga:

The St. Lawrence Iroquoians

The St. Lawrence Iroquoians were part of a broader group of Iroquoian-speaking peoples that included the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) and the Huron-Wendat. Although they shared linguistic and cultural traits with these other Iroquoian groups, the St. Lawrence Iroquoians were distinct in their customs, settlement patterns, and social organization.

Discovery of Hochelaga by Jacques Cartier

The village of Hochelaga is best known from the accounts of French explorer Jacques Cartier, who visited the area in 1535 during his second voyage to North America. When Cartier arrived at Hochelaga, he described it as a large, fortified village with approximately 1,500 inhabitants. The village was located at the base of what Cartier named Mount Royal, which later became the city of Montreal.

Cartier’s account provides valuable insights into the life of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians at the time. The village was enclosed by a wooden palisade for protection, and inside, there were around 50 longhouses that housed multiple families. The inhabitants were primarily agriculturalists, growing crops like maize (corn), beans, and squash, which are often referred to as the “Three Sisters” in Indigenous agriculture due to their complementary growing habits and nutritional value.

Social and Cultural Life

The people of Hochelaga had a complex social and cultural life. They engaged in farming, hunting, fishing, and gathering, and they were known to have trade relationships with other Indigenous groups. Their society was likely matrilineal, meaning lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother’s line, a common trait among Iroquoian-speaking peoples.

Disappearance of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians

By the time the French returned to the area in the early 17th century, the village of Hochelaga and its people had disappeared. The reasons for the disappearance of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians are not fully understood, but several theories exist:

Inter-tribal Conflict: It’s possible that the St. Lawrence Iroquoians were attacked and driven out by other Indigenous groups, such as the Haudenosaunee, who were expanding their territory during this period.

Epidemic Disease: European contact introduced diseases like smallpox to Indigenous populations, which had devastating effects due to the lack of immunity among Native peoples. Disease could have significantly reduced the population of Hochelaga.

Migration: The people of Hochelaga may have moved to new areas, either voluntarily or due to pressure from other groups. Archaeological evidence suggests that some of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians may have integrated with other Iroquoian groups in the Great Lakes region.

Legacy of Hochelaga

Today, the memory of the village of Hochelaga is preserved in the name of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood in Montreal. The village is also a symbol of the rich Indigenous history of the region and serves as a reminder of the complex societies that existed in North America long before European colonization. The story of Hochelaga is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous peoples in the face of profound changes brought by European exploration and colonization.

Who was Paul de Chomedey?

Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve is a significant figure in the history of Montreal, known for his role in founding the city and his efforts to protect it during its early years. One of the most interesting stories about Maisonneuve involves his bravery and determination to defend the fledgling settlement against Iroquois attacks.

The Battle of the Flood of 1643

In the spring of 1643, Montreal, then known as Ville-Marie, was still a very new settlement. The settlers, led by Maisonneuve, faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, limited supplies, and frequent attacks by the Iroquois Confederacy, who were opposed to the French encroachment on their territory.

One of the most famous stories about Maisonneuve took place in March 1643, during a period when the St. Lawrence River was experiencing significant flooding. This natural disaster added to the settlers’ woes, as the river was an essential source of transportation and supplies. In the midst of dealing with the flood, the settlers faced another challenge—an attack by the Iroquois.

While many settlers were already demoralized by the harsh winter and the flooding, the sudden Iroquois attack posed a serious threat to their survival. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Maisonneuve led a group of about thirty settlers to confront the Iroquois warriors.

The battle took place near what is now known as the Pointe-à-Callière area of Old Montreal. Despite being outnumbered and the difficult conditions, Maisonneuve’s leadership and courage were crucial in rallying the settlers. According to historical accounts, during the battle, Maisonneuve’s courage shone through when he single-handedly took on the Iroquois warriors. One of the more dramatic moments came when Maisonneuve, standing firm, faced down an Iroquois chief in single combat. The chief taunted Maisonneuve, who responded by bravely stepping forward, taking aim with his musket, and shooting the chief dead. This decisive action not only killed the enemy leader but also demoralized the Iroquois, who retreated shortly after.

This event became legendary among the settlers and is often highlighted as a turning point that bolstered the morale of the fledgling community. Maisonneuve’s leadership and courage were instrumental in securing the early survival of Montreal, earning him a lasting reputation as a heroic figure in the city’s history.

Legacy of the Story

The story of Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve and the battle during the flood is not just a tale of bravery but also a testament to the resilience and determination of the early settlers of Montreal. It exemplifies the challenges faced by the pioneers of New France and their relentless spirit in the face of adversity. Today, Maisonneuve is remembered as a foundational figure in Montreal’s history, with numerous landmarks, including Place d’Armes and a statue in his honour, commemorating his contributions to the city’s establishment and defence.

 

You may know Hochelaga- Maisonneuve as…

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, often affectionately referred to by locals, has a few popular nicknames that reflect its unique character and community spirit:

1. HOMA: This is the most common and widely used nickname for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. It’s a simple abbreviation that captures the essence of the neighbourhood while being easy to say and remember. “HOMA” has become a trendy shorthand, often used by residents, businesses, and on social media to promote the area.
2. HoMa: Similar to HOMA, “HoMa” is another variation of the nickname that uses camel case to distinguish the two parts of the neighbourhood’s name. This style is often seen in local branding and marketing materials, emphasizing a modern and stylish vibe.
3. The Hochelag: This nickname is a casual, slightly shortened version of Hochelaga, emphasizing the neighbourhood’s historic roots. It’s often used in everyday conversation by those who have a more intimate or longstanding relationship with the area.
4. The Village: This nickname stems from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve’s history as a separate village before its annexation to Montreal. “The Village” reflects a sense of tight-knit community and local pride, capturing the neighbourhood’s small-town feel within a larger urban context.
5. Hochelag’: Another affectionate nickname, “Hochelag’,” further shortens Hochelaga and is often used informally by locals. It carries a laid-back connotation and is frequently heard in casual conversations or seen in local media.
6. Hoche: This is a shortened and informal version of “Hochelaga” and is frequently used by locals. It’s a casual, easy-to-say nickname that captures the familiar and down-to-earth vibe of the neighbourhood. “Hoche” is often used in everyday conversations, especially by younger residents or those who have lived in the area for a long time.
7. Hochelaga: While this is the full name of one part of the neighbourhood, it’s often used on its own as a nickname, especially by people who have a deep connection to the area’s history and culture. Using “Hochelaga” alone emphasizes the neighbourhood’s roots, referring to its origins as a distinct community before it was combined with Maisonneuve. It’s a nod to the neighbourhood’s past while still recognizing its role in modern Montreal.

Some places named after the neighbourhood:

Hoche Glace

Hoche Glace is a delicious ice cream place in the neihgbourhood of Hochelaga- Maisonneuve.  This ice cream place is known for its line ups in the summer.  They sell delicious tourbillons (blizzards), dipped chocolate ice cream cones with various chocolate topping dunk options.  They have cakes, sorbets, vegan options.

HoMa Hotel

An economical Hotel accommodation on Ontario street in the neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montreal.  It is located next to all the top attractions you would want to see in the neighbourhood in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.  Like Olympic stadium, Botanical gardens, Stade Saputo, Planetarium, Biodome and much more.  They provide private hostel like accommodation with shared spaces like a hotel. If your interested in for cheap hotels near you visit them here for a reservation.

ArHoma

Delicious sandwiches in fresh maid pastries on Ontario street Hochelaga.  ArHoma is a fun pun for the name of the neighbourhood.  Check them our for typical Quebec pastries for a beautiful Montreal summer picnic to load up on.