Château-Richer, a quaint town nestled in the Capitale-Nationale region of Quebec, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, east of Quebec City, Château-Richer serves as the seat for the Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality. This town, stretching for several miles alongside Route 138, is steeped in history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and tourists alike.
The history of Château-Richer dates back to 1626 when Samuel de Champlain established the first farm in the Saint Lawrence valley to feed the people of Quebec City. The town's name, "Chateau Richer," first appeared on Jean Bourdon's map of 1641, referring to the cape or headland where the present church stands. However, the origin of the name remains a mystery.
In 1646, Olivier Letardif, Lord and Chief Prosecutor, granted 20 concessions to the inhabitants of Château-Richer, marking the official establishment of the town. The local parish, named La Visitation-de-Notre-Dame, was formed in 1678, making it the first rural parish in New France. On March 15, 1753, Château-Richer became the very first organized village in New France.
The town saw further development with the opening of the post office in 1832. The municipality was first established in 1845, abolished in 1847, and reestablished in 1855 when it was incorporated as a parish municipality. Château-Richer was the county town of the now-defunct Montmorency County. Notably, Louis-Théodore Besserer, a prominent businessman of Ottawa, was born in Château-Richer. In 1968, the town changed its status and became Ville de Château-Richer.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Château-Richer had a population of 4,425 living in 1,918 of its 2,064 total private dwellings. This marked a 7.2% increase from its 2016 population of 4,126. With a land area of 228.84 km2 (88.36 sq mi), the town had a population density of 19.3/km2 (50.1/sq mi) in 2021.
The linguistic composition of Château-Richer is predominantly French, with 97.7% of the population reporting French as their first language. English as a first language is reported by 0.6% of the population, while 0.4% report both English and French as their first language. Other languages account for 1.3% of the population's first language.
Château-Richer, Quebec, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a unique blend of the past and the present. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual tourist, this town promises an unforgettable experience.
