Identification & Site Information
- Location: Mille Roches, Lost Villages, St. Lawrence River, Ontario
- Depth: 30 feet (10 meters)
Site Description
Beneath the St. Lawrence River lies the submerged village of Mille Roches, one of the Lost Villages affected by the St. Lawrence Seaway construction in the late 1950s. Mille Roches was a thriving community, its economy dominated by a prominent paper mill that played a pivotal role in the village’s industrial activities.
History
Mille Roches’ story begins with industrial ambition. In 1904, Michael Davis, alongside business partners from Cornwall, Ontario, established the Cornwall Paper Company. The mill was constructed on the eastern side of the village, producing paper from rags and recycled materials. However, financial instability forced the company to sell in 1909 to American investors from Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Under the new management, the mill flourished. It became an industry leader in the 1930s, earning recognition for its safety standards. By the 1940s, the mill employed over 100 millhands, cementing its importance to the village’s economic stability. Ownership shifted to Provincial Abitibi, later known as the Provincial Paper Company, which expanded operations and modernized production methods.
The village’s fortunes turned in the early 1950s with the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which necessitated flooding to create the waterway. By 1952, uncertainty over the future led to the mill’s closure and relocation to Thorold, Ontario, where a modern facility was established. Mille Roches, alongside other villages, was evacuated and submerged.
Final Disposition
Today, the remnants of Mille Roches rest underwater as part of the Lost Villages, offering an eerie yet compelling glimpse into the past. The paper mill and other village structures are preserved beneath the St. Lawrence River, attracting divers and historians to explore the submerged relics of the once-bustling community.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is accessible to experienced divers. Visibility is influenced by the river’s current, and conditions may vary. The underwater structures, including remnants of the paper mill, provide a unique opportunity to connect with Ontario’s historical past.
Resources & Links
•Lost Villages Historical Society
•St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
Keywords
Mille Roches, Lost Villages, St. Lawrence Seaway, Provincial Paper Company, Cornwall Paper Company, underwater dive site, Ontario, historical site
Conclusion
The submerged site of Mille Roches is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the St. Lawrence Seaway development. It offers divers a unique blend of history and exploration, preserving the industrial and community legacy of a village that once thrived along the river’s banks.