Stephen, Sir George National Historic Person
Montréal, Quebec
Photo of plaque location
© Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada, 1989
Address :
1440 Drummond Street, Montréal, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1971-10-14
Life Date:
1829 to 1921
Other Name(s):
-
Stephen, Sir George
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Banker, railway magnate (Canada Pacific Railway), philanthropist
Plaque(s)
No plaque in place, recommended location: 1440 Drummond Street, Montréal, Quebec
A Scottish-born entrepreneur, banker and philanthropist, Stephen was among Canada’s premier financial leaders during the two decades following Confederation. He came to Montréal in 1850, where he prospered as a merchant and became president of the Bank of Montreal in 1876. Building on his vast experience, he organised the financing, and guided the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, serving as its first president from 1881 to 1888. He risked his fortune for this grand project, a key component of Sir John A. Macdonald’s National Policy. Stephen retired to England in 1888 and was made Baron Mount Stephen in 1891.
Plaque Removed: 1440 Drummond Street, Montréal, Quebec
Scottish born, Stephen came to Montréal in 1850 to work as a dry goods merchant. His business dealings grew in importance and by 1876 he was president of the Bank of Montréal. He was instrumental in the founding and initial success of the Canadian Pacific Railway and served as its first president from 1881 to 1888. To this enterprise he committed all his considerable skills plus the support of the bank. In 1890 he moved to virtual retirement in England where for a brief time he was unofficial advisor to John A. Macdonald on British affairs. He was made Baron Mount Stephen in 1891.