Aubert de La Chesnaye, Charles National Historic Person
Québec, Quebec
Address :
10 Sault-au-Matelot Street, Québec, Québec, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1971-10-14
Life Date:
1632 to 1702
Other Name(s):
-
Aubert de La Chesnaye, Charles
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Leading businessman in fur trade, commerce, real estate, shipping
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 10 Sault-au-Matelot Street, Québec, Québec, Quebec
The man who became New France's leading businessman arrived at Québec in 1655. Driven by a desire for place and profit he began in the import trade, but his interests expanded to include all aspects of the colony's economic life: the fur trade, commerce and land speculation, agriculture, shipping and the fisheries. From his home and store on the rue du Sault-au-Matelot, La Chesnaye managed enterprises extending from the Pays d'en haut to the Gaspé, and including several seigneuries. He was ennobled by the king in 1693 and became a member of the Sovereign Council of New France in 1695.