Knowlton: The Heart of Lac‑Brome
Nestled on the shores of Brome Lake, with Victorian façades, leafy streets and a vibrant cultural life, Knowlton is more than a picturesque village — it’s the historic heart of Lac‑Brome. As we conclude the series on village histories around Lac‑Brome, here’s the story of how Knowlton came to be, how it evolved, and why it still matters today.
From Coldbrook to County Seat
Knowlton’s earliest roots trace back to 1802, when United Empire Loyalists and early settlers began making homes in the territory now known as Lac‑Brome. In its early days, the hamlet was known asColdbrook, named for the stream (Cold Brook) flowing through its center. The transformation from Coldbrook to Knowlton occurred as the settlement formally organized and began to adopt the name of one of its leading figures.
Over the decades, the village acquired mills, shops, a distillery, and other institutions that anchored its growth. Its strategic importance rose when, in 1855, Knowlton was designatedcounty seatof Brome County — a milestone that attracted investment, institutions, and a role as a regional hub.
Victoria and Lakeside. Courtesy of knowltonquebec.ca
The Knowlton Name & Key Players
The name “Knowlton” honoursPaul Holland Knowlton, a landowner, politician, and community leader of that era. Knowlton was not just a namesake — he was involved in agricultural, commercial, and political endeavors that helped shape the community’s direction. Earlier, a post office bearing the name “Knowlton” was established around 1851, solidifying the shift from Coldbrook.
Paul Holland Knowlton’s house
Among other local institutions is thePettes Memorial Library, inaugurated in 1894. This library was one of the first free public libraries in rural Quebec — gifted by Narcissa Farrand Pettes in memory of her late husband, Nathaniel Pettes, and intended to serve both the English and French communities. Their collection is impeccably curated, featuring many books on local history and lore, as well as a range of other topics, and a juicy fiction selection (thanks namely to Ingrid!).
The Built Heritage & Tourism Transition
Because Knowlton became the administrative centre, many of its public and institutional buildings were built during the mid-to-late 19th century. Today, the village is recognized for this heritage rich in Victorian architecture — structures that reflect the ambitions of its settlers and the prosperity of its growth years.
Hospitality and tourism began early. The region was drawing visitors as far back as the mid-1800s, drawn by the lake, nature, and quiet charm. In 1849, the precursor to today’s Auberge Knowlton welcomed its first guests. Rail connections later enhanced accessibility, accelerating Knowlton’s role as a vacation destination.
Merging the Hamlets: Birth of Lac‑Brome
In 1971, a transformative change came: seven villages and hamlets — Knowlton, Bondville, East Hill, Foster, Fulford, Iron Hill, and West Brome — were amalgamated into a single municipality:Lac‑Brome. Knowlton remained the historic centre and de facto “village heart” of this new municipality.
Though merged administratively, Knowlton continues to carry its legacy in architecture, culture, tourism, and identity. Many of its heritage buildings remain in use and the village is often a central node in heritage walking tours and cultural events.
Knowlton in Memory & Change
Long-time residents remember when Knowlton was quieter, less tourist-driven. In the 1960s the village had an IGA and a butcher, but was still modest in size and activity. Over the decades, visitor traffic, boutique shops, heritage conservation, and investment have gradually shifted the character — sometimes harmoniously, sometimes contentiously.
Yet that balance between past and present is part of what makes Knowlton special. It holds the memory of mills and farms, of shopkeepers and councils, of seasonal visitors and local life — all layered into its streets, stonework, and community traditions.
