Imagine a Montreal without a bustling port. The Hon. John Young Statue commemorates the man who changed that. This monument honors John Young. He was the first Chairman of the Port Commission.
John Young’s contributions were crucial. After his death in 1878, he was hailed as the “father” of the port. The Hon. John Young Statue stands as a testament to his vision.
The Hon. John Young Statue is more than just a sculpture. It’s a monument-fountain with four bronze elements. These sit on a granite pedestal in a grey-granite basin. At the base, you can see the allegorical figure of the River God. He reclines on shipwreck debris, holding a bowl from which water once flowed.
At the top of the pedestal is John Young himself. He stands with crossed arms. He holds documents in one hand. He wears a redingote, typical of his era. Ship prows emerge from waves on either side. They symbolize navigation on the St. Lawrence. Realism and symbolism combine in the Hon. John Young Statue. John Young represents realism. The River God embodies symbolism.
Louis-Philippe Hèbert sculpted the figures. Hèbert began this work at 56. He was at the height of his fame. The River God is considered one of his most inspired pieces.
The Hon. John Young Statue has moved a few times. It was originally in Place Royale. In 1952, it moved to Pointe-à-Callière. Since 1997, it has been here. It stands in front of the Sociètè du Vieux-Port de Montréal offices. The location connects the man, the river, and the port.
John Young was born in Scotland in 1811. He came to Montreal in 1830. He worked as an importer and exporter. He founded railway and telegraph companies. He also represented Montreal at the Assembly of United Canada.
In 1853, Young became chairman of the Harbour Commission. He held that position until 1866. He improved the port’s accessibility and efficiency. He launched major projects. His goal was to channel trade through Montreal.
Young had a channel excavated in the St. Lawrence. This allowed larger ships to reach Montreal. He built docks in the Old Port. He reorganized Customs. He widened the Lachine Canal. He introduced the railway to the port territory. He also had the Victoria Bridge built.
By the time of his death in 1878, the Port was thriving. The port extended from the Lachine Canal to Hochelaga Quay. The railway had been operating for seven years. In 1860, the port received 259 ocean-going vessels. The following year, that number jumped to 574.
The Hon. John Young Statue was erected in 1908. It was unveiled on October 4, 1911. This was the year of John Young’s hundredth birthday. The government of Canada and the Harbour Commission wanted to commemorate his role in the city’s port development.
The Hon. John Young Statue remains a proud symbol. It reminds us of a visionary leader. He shaped Montreal into the thriving port city we know today. Take a moment to appreciate his lasting legacy.