The Eastern Townships - Les Cantons de l'Est

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Eastern Townships - Les Cantons de l'Est

The historical region known as the Eastern Townships (Les Cantons de l'Est) is an irregularly shaped area lying between the St. Lawrence Lowlands and the American border and extending Northeastward as far as the line between the counties of Dorchester and Bellechasse. It is somewhat elevated and hilly, being a part of the worn down, folded Appalachian mountain system, drained by the deeply entrenched streams of the St. Francis, Chaudière and Etchemin river systems. Of a total area of 9,120 square miles, about 7,000 (77%) is occupied. The total population is 300,917 of whom at least half are living in the numerous towns.

The region lies outside the boundaries of the old seigneuries granted by the French and was laid out in townships after Canada changed hands. It was termed the "Eastern" townships in contrast with those lying to the west of Montreal in what is now Ontario.

The first settlers in the southern part of the area were English speaking and for a long time they were the dominant element. The northern area, including the plateau of Beauce, was settled by French who came up the Chaudibre from Quebec. Now, however, practically every county has a majority of French speaking people.

It is an area of mixed farming, the care of livestock having been stressed by the original English speaking settlers, many of whom were United Empire Loyalists. Dairying is important. The northern portion has the largest sheep industry in eastern Canada. It is also the headquarters of the maple sugar industry.

The multitude of small power sites stimulated an early development of sawmills, grist mills and local manufacturing plants. This has given way to the much more extensive industrial activity of the present day. From this as well as because of the hilly landscapes, the Eastern Townships have been called "the New England of Canada". The hills, lakes, streams and thriving towns have scenic values which draw visitors in spite of the attractions of the great expanse of the Laurentians farther north.