Chapleau, Sir Joseph-Adolphe National Historic Person

Bois-des-Filion, Quebec
Hon. Joseph Adolphe Chapleau, M.P. (Terrebonne, Quebec) (Secretary of State) (© Topley Studio / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-025532)
Hon. Joseph Adolphe Chapleau, 1884
(© Topley Studio / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-025532)
Address : Adolphe-Chapleau Park, Bois-des-Filion, Quebec

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1938-05-19
Life Date: 1840 to 1898

Other Name(s):
  • Chapleau, Sir Joseph-Adolphe  (Designation Name)

Importance: Premier of Quebec (1879-82), federal cabinet minister (1882-92)

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Adolphe-Chapleau Park, Bois-des-Filion, Quebec

Born at Sainte Therèse de Blainville, Chapleau was one of the most prominent 19th-century figures in Quebec. As a renowned criminal lawyer and a supporter of Métis rights, he defended Ambroise-Dydime Lépine in the 1874 treason trial at Fort Garry. He was also premier of Quebec (1879–1882), a federal cabinet minister (1882–1892), Lieutenant Governor of Quebec (1892–1897), and the spokesman for Montréal during a critical period in the city’s economic and social development, at the peak of Montréal Québec regional rivalry.