Old Port of Montreal in Montréal, Québec — Central Canada (French-Canadian)
Édifice Edmonstone-Allan
Edmonstone-Allan Building
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Édifice des Commissaires
The Commissioner's Building
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2024
1. Édifice Edmonstone-Allan / Édifice des Commissaires Marker
« Le 27 décembre 1882, les funérailles de Hugh Allan entrainèrent la fermeture de la bourse pour l'après-midi. Un groupe de policiers municipaux et un détachement de sapeurs-pompiers précédaient le corbillard, que suivirent la famille, les sommités politiques, commerciales et industrielles, les employés — depuis le directeur jusqu'aux travailleurs des quais — et quelque 2 000 citoyens. »
—Brian J. Young et Gerald J. J. Tulchinsky, Dictionnaire Biographique du Canada en Ligne.
Édifice Edmonstone-Allan
Construit en 1858, l'édifice logeait le siège social de la plus importante compagnie de navigation outre-mer du pays, la Edmonstone, Allan and Company. L'un de ses actionnaires, Sir Hugh Allan, était un richissime magnat du commerce maritime, de la construction navale et des chemins de fer. Le vapeur Virginian de la Allan Line a capté le S.O.S. du Titanic en 1912 pour le relayer ici-même!
Édifice des Commissaires
Cet imposant édifice de style Second Empire français est inauguré en 1876. C'est le siège social de la Commission du Havre, créée
this page online
La Route des Grands Lacs
L'inauguration du canal de Lachine en 1825 ouvre la route des Grands Lacs aux navires. La circulation maritime augmente dans le port et des manufactures s'installent le long du canal, créant le premier centre industriel du pays. L'arrivée de la Voie maritime en 1959 amène la fermeture du canal en 1970. Il est réouvert en 2002 pour la navigation de plaisance.
“The funeral for Hugh Allan held on December 27, 1882, caused the closing of the stock exchange for the afternoon. The hearse, preceded by a squad of city police and a detachment of firemen, was followed by his family, political, commercial, and industrial luminaries, Employees from the manager down to the workers on the wharves and some 2,000 citizens.”
— Brian J. Young and Gerald J. J. Tulchinsky, Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.
Edmonstone-Allan Building
Completed in 1858, the Edmonstone-Allan building housed the corporate
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2024
2. Édifice Edmonstone-Allan / Édifice des Commissaires Marker
Looking west from the Promenade du Vieux Port. The Edmonstone-Allan Building is in the right background, and The Commissioner's Building is in the left background. The buildings are across the park, both facing Rue de la Commune Ouest.
The Commissioner's Building
The striking Second Empire-style building was inaugurated in 1876. It was used as the corporate headquarters of the Harbour Commission, which was created in 1830 to manage the Port of Montréal. Until then, the port had been under the jurisdiction of the Maison de la Trinité, a corporation headquartered in the City of Québec. Pressure from the business community led the Commission to carry out a first development plan to build the quays, sheds and other infrastructure needed to support industry growth.
The Route to the Great Lakes
The inauguration of the Lachine Canal in 1825 opened a route to the Great Lakes to ships. Maritime traffic increased in the port, and manufacturers set up shop along the canal, creating the nation's first industrial center. The launch of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 led to the closing of the canal in 1970. It was reopened in 2002 for recreational navigation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is December 27, 1882.
Location. 45° 30.007′ N, 73° 33.149′ W. Marker is in Montréal, Québec. It is in Old Port of Montreal. It can be reached from the intersection of Rue de la Commune Ouest and Rue Marguerite-d'Youville, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the Promenade du Vieux Port, overlooking the subject buildings to the west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Montréal QC H2Y 2E2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Canada. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hon. John Young (within shouting distance of this marker); Arrondissement Historique / Historic District (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); John Young (about 90 meters away); Transformation Vieux-Port en site récréotouristique / Old Port Transformed into Recreational Tourism (about 90 meters away); Lieu de commémoration / Commemorative Site (about 90 meters away); a different marker also named Transformation Vieux-Port en site récréotouristique / Old Port Transformed into Recreational Tourism (about 90 meters away); Le plus grand port céréalier du monde / The World's Largest Grain Port (about 90 meters away); Naissance du port moderne / Birth of a Modern Port (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montréal.
Also see . . .
1. Edmonstone, Allan and Company Building (Parks Canada).
Excerpt: The Edmonstone, Allan and Company Building is clearly tied to shipping, as it is associated with the boom during the first phase of the Port of Montreal’s development in the 1850s and 1880s. This was a time of strong growth in communications, commerce and industry, a reflection of the expansion of railway and shipping networks. The original building (1858-1859) is one of the oldest constructions associated with shipping in the western end of the Port. It was built as the headquarters of the shipping company founded by Sir Hugh Allan and William Edmonstone. The company is one of Canada’s largest overseas shipping companies, having operated numerous ships on a continuous basis for close to half a century. Although the company subsequently operated under several different business names, ownership remained directly tied to Sir Hugh Allan (1810-1882). An important businessman and shipping magnate, he had considerable influence in the Montreal area and was also interested in the railway industry, as well as in various emerging communications opportunities.(Submitted on May 31, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Harbour Commission Building (National Trust for Canada).
Excerpt: A landmark in Old Montreal since 1875, the Italianate style building was designed by Hopkins and Wily and operated as the Harbour Commission for 100 years before it was sold and used as a warehouse. In 1997, Daniel Langlois bought the property to restore and convert it into a private club and residence that includes a new rear pavilion for a pool and spa. The project involved painstaking exterior restoration (foundation, masonry, copper roof, cupola, doors, windows, ironwork and fences). Inside, work focused on conserving original wood finishes and replicating plaster work damaged by fire. Using materials such as Montreal limestone, the addition is both compatible with but distinguishable from the historic building.(Submitted on May 31, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
