Founding Families of Ile d Orleans
Île d'Orléans, nestled in the Saint Lawrence River near Quebec City, is an island steeped in history and cultural importance. Before European arrival, the indigenous Huron named it Minigo, or "enchanted island." French explorer Jacques Cartier was the first European to visit in 1535, originally naming it Île de Bascuz for its abundance of wild grapes. It was later renamed Île d'Orléans, honoring the Duke of Orléans, the second son of King Francis I of France.
As one of the earliest areas in New France to undergo colonization, the Île d'Orléans Seigneury was established in 1636. This seigneury system allowed a seigneur (lord) to distribute land to settlers, known as habitants, who farmed and paid dues. The island's fertile soil and strategic position made it a crucial site for the French. By the 17th century, it had a growing French population and significant livestock.
Several parishes, including Sainte-Famille, Saint-Pierre, Saint-François, and Saint-Jean, were established, with records dating back to 1678. The 18th century saw Île d'Orléans become a strategic point for British operations against Quebec City during the Seven Years' War.
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