“McTavish Monument Sacred to the memory of Simon McTavish” These words etched in grey granite greet you. The McTavish Monument stands before you a simple yet powerful tribute. This isn’t just a stone. It’s a window into Montreal’s rich past.
Simon McTavish a prominent figure in the North West Company. He wasn’t just a fur trader. McTavish diversified into agriculture flour mills and sawmills. His influence shaped Montreal’s economic landscape. He died in 1804. His nephews William and Duncan McGillivray erected this monument. It’s a testament to their uncle’s kindness. They paid for his nephews’ schooling in Scotland. Later they joined him in Montreal to work in his company. William became his successor.
The monument’s location is significant. It stands near where McTavish’s manor once stood. The McTavish family’s influence extended beyond this spot. A nearby reservoir and the site of the Allan Memorial Institute hold connections to his legacy. The monument itself was restored in 1942. It replaced an earlier mausoleum.
Notice the quiet location. The small cliff and overhanging trees create a secluded atmosphere. A man-made wall borders the Allan Memorial Institute’s car park. The monument stands as a silent guardian of the past a reminder of a man who shaped Montreal’s history. The McTavish Monument. A simple block of stone. A powerful story.