Because of the harsh climate that the settlers encountered, the location of their first shelter was paramount. Building materials were not a problem in the dense virgin forest. The first shelter that was built was usually a crude and cramped log cabin. It was built of newly felled trees, which were still covered with bark.
The early pioneers who came to the Eastern Townships from New England settled in a wilderness forest. They came with no assurance of their chances of survival, but with a determination to overcome all obstacles and build new lives for themselves.
The Crisis in the Seigneuries:
The railway had an enormous impact on the economy and on life in general in the Eastern Townships. One English settler described it best in a letter to his grandfather back in England:
The leader-associate system failed to bring about the expected settlement of the Eastern Townships. Land held by speculators was kept undeveloped and off the market. Speculators were waiting for the pioneers to clear their lands and build roads, schools, and churches.
LATER AMERICAN PIONEERS:
The vast majority of the early pioneers were not Americans of the Loyalist variety, but immigrants seeking good, cheap land and opportunity.
UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS:
The French Regime:
The history of the Eastern Townships begins with the Abenakis, who, according to oral tradition, had a number of villages in the region. The Abenakis used the region's forests and waterways for hunting, fishing, trade, and travel.
The southeast corner of the province of Quebec is home to the region known as the Eastern Townships. The region is famous across Canada and internationally for its scenic beauty and history.