Carhagouha, Archaeological site in Tiny, Canada
Carhagouha is an archaeological site in Tiny containing remnants of a Huron-Wendat settlement near present-day Lafontaine. The location is marked by two crosses and a cement pad situated at the eastern end.
On August 12, 1615, Father Joseph Le Caron celebrated the first Catholic Mass in Ontario at this location, with Samuel de Champlain and 14 French settlers present. This event marked an early moment of European presence and religious activity in the region.
The site name appears in various spellings across historical documents, reflecting how European writers interpreted the original Wendat language differently. These linguistic variations show the challenge outsiders faced in recording indigenous words accurately.
The site can be reached by following Cedar Point to Concession 18 in Tiny Township, then proceeding south on a dirt road for about one kilometer behind evergreen trees. Poor weather can make the access more difficult, so check conditions before visiting.
The Knights of Columbus of Ontario erected a large cement cross at the site, while a second wooden cross stands nearby as a memorial marker. These two different structures show how various groups have shaped remembrance of this location.
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