RAWDON HISTORY – Keeping Rawdon’s History Alive

The Spirit of the Past Never Dies

“The spirit of the past never dies. It lives and walks abroad and cries aloud.”
— Susanna Moodie, 1847.

Preserving the History of Rawdon

Rawdon History is a website created to preserve and share the history of the Township of Rawdon and the people who lived here. This site tells the story of the first settlers and their descendants and explains how a small settlement slowly became a strong community.

History is not only found in books. It is also found in letters, diaries, journals, photographs, and official documents. Many of these valuable materials can be lost over time. This website brings them together so they can be read, studied, and remembered.

How Nature Helped Build Rawdon

The Ouareau River, forests, and waterfalls were very important in the history of Rawdon. Water was needed for daily life and to run the mills that helped the town grow and support families. Wood from the forests was used to build homes, barns, and tools for everyday work. The land gave families food, jobs, and a way to make a living, and it helped the community become stronger over time.

Places like Chute Magnan and the early mills show how people worked closely with nature. They used the river, the forests, and the land around them to survive, to build their homes, and to create a better life for their families. These places also remind us how hard people worked and how important nature was in shaping Rawdon’s history.

Explore the Stories, Places, and People of Rawdon

The history of Rawdon and how the town began and grew over time.
The mills and early industry that helped confirm the community and provide work for families.
Families and genealogy to learn about family names, roots, and connections in Rawdon.
Historic places and buildings that show how people lived and worked in the past.
Old photos and documents that help us see and understand life in earlier times.
New articles and updates that share new discoveries and stories about Rawdon’s history.

Discover the mills that helped build the community

Rawdon was once home to many mills that used water, steam, and diesel power. These mills helped people cut wood, grind grain, and build their lives. Each mill has its own story and place in Rawdon’s history.

Chute Magnan (Magnan Mill)

One of the best-known mill sites in Rawdon, located near the falls. This place shows how water power was used in the early days.

Archambault Mill

An early mill on the Ouareau River that stayed in the Archambault family for many years before changing owners.

Boyce’s Mill

A historic grist mill built by Charles Grant and later run by the Boyce family. It played an important role in the local community.

Mason / Massue Mill

This mill was located near today’s cenotaph area. A fire and dangerous caves nearby made this site part of a tragic local story.

Belanger Mill

The last mill built in Rawdon. Very little information is known, and the site is still being researched.

Copping Mill

A steam-powered mill built in the 1940s on Queen Street. It shows how mill technology changed over time in Rawdon.

Help Us Preserve Rawdon’s History

If you have questions or anything to share, we would be happy to hear from you. This website grows with help from the community. Every photo, document, or story helps us learn more about Rawdon’s past. You can send old photos, documents and letters, family stories and memories, corrections, extra information, or questions about Rawdon’s history. By sharing, you help keep Rawdon’s history alive for future generations. Every small contribution helps complete the story of this community.