Its architecture does not have the scope of the Viger station, perhaps because it was built a few years earlier, in 1883-84 and it was not the same architect. To build it, it has been necessary to demolish several houses, including a firefighter barracks. It is from this station that the first Canadian Pacific train left in the direction of Winnipeg on June 28th,1886, travelling at about 38 kilometers per hour.
Its role as a station from Montreal to Western Canada was short and ended with the construction of the close Viger station-hotel in 1898 (we see the Viger station on the left side of the sketch turrets). In 1929, it was used as a warehouse for the company. Later a fruit auction was held in it for a while. Montreal bought it in 1984 and began major restorations; in particular the roof resumed its original form. The National School of Circus made in it its pirouettes from 1986 to 2003 and it is now the Eloize Circus that took over.
Why the name of “Dalhousie”? It was given to honor George Ramsay, Baron Dalhousie. He was a military and appointed Governor General of British North America in 1820. It is said that he had an irascible character and an authoritarian view of the political system. As the legislature was dominated by the French Canadians, he often had trouble with the latter and even dissolved the House. It is also opposed the representatives of the Catholic Church. He has finally been transferred to India non-without having been severely blamed for his administration here by the London House of Commons.
