It is called "Place d'Armes", but originally it was the "place of the parish council", a public square, property of the Sulpicians. It soon became a place of social meetings and official proclamations. It is in 1721 that military maneuvers were transported on this land, thus giving its current name. In 1760, the French army a deposed arms at the feet of the English conqueror. Place d'Armes remained the property of the Sulpicians until 1836 when the City bought it.
The place had to adapt to all kinds of circumstances and events. On it was set up a tank and a fire pump and even a bust of King George III. It became a hay and wood market. It has been the event violence. In 1832, three francophones were killed there by the British army. The year 1837 saw confrontations between the “Fils de la Liberté” and Doric Club members. After its acquisition by the city, the site became a public garden and a fountain was installed. The fountain has been replaced by a monument in memory of the founders of Montreal: Maisonneuve and Jeanne-Mance. Charles LeMoyne, Lambert Closse and his dog Pilote and even one Iroquois have found a place on the monument. Many events were celebrated: a winter “fête” in 1884, many carnivals and of course the annual ceremony of the Foundation of Ville-Marie.
Later, the garden gave way to concrete, public urinals were constructed underground but closed in the 1980s, it seems. In 1960, the place took the aspect we see now.
In 2007, a few transformation projects of Place d'Armes were studied. International teams came to present their plans of redevelopment of the site. The improvements finally began in 2009.
Tourists invade the place with joy and do "click-click" with their cameras without taking much time to really see the monument or the Notre-Dame Church. Back home, perusing their photos, they will revive their short stay with us.
