Episode 8: Pierre Boucher's Place

Place Pierre Boucher honors the governor of Trois-Rivières, Pierre Boucher. He is known for defending Trois-Rivières in 1653 and advocating for the colony in France in 1661. Following his actions, the young colony was strengthened with the arrival of the Filles du Roy, soldiers of the Carignan-Salières Regiment, and 160 new settlers. In 1667, he founded the seigneury of Boucherville.

Over the years, the location of Place Pierre Boucher has been a central point in the life of Trois-Rivières. It was the site of the first governors' residence, the first seminary, and the first parish churches. All these buildings were destroyed in the great fire of 1908.

Today, Place Pierre Boucher features the Monument aux Braves, inaugurated in 1921. It pays tribute to the Trois-Rivières regiment, which was the Canadian regiment that remained at the front the longest during World War I, being 450 days. The torch was erected in 1934 during the celebrations of the city's 300th anniversary. There is also the Monument of the Sacred Heart, marking the location of the parish church destroyed in the 1908 fire.