Page "Scots-Quebecer" Paragraph 7

Other Scots were instrumental in building the Lachine Canal that turned Montreal into one of the most important and prosperous ports in North America.

The canal led to a rapid industrialization that began in the late 1840s with Montreal manufacturers producing products for the entire nation.

It was also Scots who constructed Montreal's first bridge across the Saint Lawrence River and Henry Morgan built the first department store in Canada that was the envy of the country.

Scot settlers founded many of the city's great industries including the Bank of Montreal, Redpath Sugar, and from headquarters they established in Montreal, Scots were the driving force that built both of Canada's national railroads.

Early on, they realized the importance for the mercantile community to create the institutions and instruments that enabled business to be the catalyst for improved standards of living for all its citizens.

Because of their work and vision, by 1860 they were greatly responsible for making Montreal the most important city in British North America.