Archeologists determine exactly where Montreal began

Archeologists at the Pointe a Calliere museum have determined the exact shape and location of the first walled settlement in what is present-day Montreal

Archeologists have pinpointed the exact location of the first European settlement in Montreal.

After years of sifting through the Ville Marie Fort, archeologists have figured out a lot about how early colonial settlers lived.

"It was very special for the French people at that time. They were very open-minded. That's what they wanted," said Louise Pothier.

A researcher with the Pointe a Calliere museum said the discovery of a palisade last year allowed the team to fully visualize where the fort's walls were, and the exact shape of the exterior wall.life

Ville Marie was established as a Catholic mission in 1642, with 50 settlers led by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance.

"Of course they came here to do the Christianization of the people living here already. But it was also their capacity to absorb the cultures of the others and to adapt themselves to an environment that was so different from what they knew in advance," said Pothier.

Mayor Denis Coderre said he was impressed by the work.

"You have the capacity to say it started right there. This is where it started. You have to be moved by that," said Coderre.

By going through 250,000 artifacts researchers have determined the first settlers ate a lot of catfish, beaver, game birds and pork.

The city hopes to make the site of the first settlement, largely where the Pointe a Calliere museum is located, accessible to the public next year.