Claude de Ramezay

Claude de Ramezay, (15 June 1659 – 31 July 1724), was an important figure in the early history of New France. He was a military man by training and rose to being commander of the colonial regular troops.

In 1690, Ramezay married the daughter of Pierre Denys de La Ronde and thus was joined to one of the elite families of New France. He then bought the position of governor of Trois-Rivières from the widow of René Gaultier de Varennes and became governor there in 1691. In 1699, Ramezay left Trois-Rivières to become the commander of the Canadian troops. He served satisfactorily and was awarded the cross of Saint-Louis for his efforts. In 1704 he succeeded Philippe de Rigaud de Vaudreuil as governor of Montreal.

Ramezay was also the acting governor of New France from 1714 to 1716 while governor Philippe de Rigaud Vaudreuil was on leave in France.

Built in 1705, his residence is today known as the Château Ramezay and operates as a private museum in Old Montreal.