TOPOGRAPHICAL TALES: UNRAVELING THE HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

White geese in their fall migration, east of Québec City

Toponymy, the naming of places, possesses an intriguing quality—it resides as an almost concealed dimension, rendering a word so familiar that its profound meaning often escapes our contemplation. However, delving into the origins of a name can unveil significant aspects of a place’s history.

This holds true for the grand river flowing through the northeast of North America, presently known as the “St. Lawrence River.” Yet, its nomenclature has undergone transformations over time.

Crossing the river in a ice-canoe competition

The Algonquin referred to it as “Magtogoek,” meaning the Walking Path. This poetic designation vividly implies the river’s historical importance in facilitating the transportation of people, goods, and trade. The Tuscarora named it Kahnawà’kye or Kanaitarowanenneh, translating to “Big water current.” The Innu-Aimun know it as Wepistukujaw Sipo, the Amenaqui as Moliantegok, and the Mohawk as Raoteniateara.

Saint-Lawrence in early spring

The name “St. Lawrence” can be traced back to Jacques Cartier, who initially used it to describe the river’s estuary, which he mistook for a vast bay. Why “St. Lawrence”? Whether due to a lack of imagination or a pious duty, the date of its “discovery,” August 10th, coincides with the religious feast of Saint Lawrence of Rome, patron saint of firemen, roasters, and archivists. (Fun fact: The Holy Chalice once belonging to him can be found at the Valencia Cathedral.)

High-Fiving Cartier in Gaspésie

In essence, if Jacques Cartier and his crew had made their discovery a day earlier or later, we might be discussing the great St. Theresa River or the St. Suzanne River today. Such names reveal more about the designator than the designated.

Following the discovery, Jacques Cartier identified the river as the Great River of Hochelaga, later becoming St. Lawrence or the Great River of Canada. The 17th century marked the ascendancy of the name St. Lawrence over its contenders, solidifying its designation for this extensive watercourse spanning over 1000km.

Contemplating the names we assign and exploring their historical antecedents is an act of curiosity and a tribute to collective memory. Much like the river, history is dynamic, and alternate names may one day replace what we currently know as simply St. Lawrence.

View from the north shore in autumn

Les Archivistes have drawn inspiration from the river and its name to create various objects, including the STLF water glasses, the large Magtogoek table runner, Cocktail Napkins featuring the river map, and St. Lawrence Frappé coasters. These creations serve as tangible reflections of the river’s rich narrative and the evolving tales of toponymy.