RAWDON HISTORY – Keeping Rawdon’s History Alive

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 there. This story of the first settlers and their descendants, as the settlement grew into a strong community.

The history of Rawdon and how the town began and grew over time.
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.

mills in Rawdon

Rawdon had several waterways to power the earliest mills. As other souces of power, steam, and diesel were available this new technology was added to power sources. Saw mills and grist mills distributed throughout the settlement offered relatively short distances to access mills.

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.