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Charles Huault de Montmagny

Charles Huault de Montmagny, called Onontio by Indigenous people, governor of New France (b in France c 1583; d on Île St-Christophe, W Indies c 1653).

Charles Huault de Montmagny, called Onontio by Indigenous people, governor of New France (b in France c 1583; d on Île St-Christophe, W Indies c 1653). Montmagny succeeded Champlain in 1636 and was governor and lieutenant-general of New France until 1648. His primary concern was defence of the fledgling colony; he worked to lay out and fortify Québec City and give some protection to Trois-Rivières. In 1641 the Iroquois Wars broke out, and Montmagny built Fort Richelieu (at Sorel, Québec) to counter the threat. In 1647 the establishment of a council (forerunner of the Sovereign Council) placed some curbs on the exercise of his powers as governor.