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Eugène-Étienne Taché

1836 – 1912

Canadian architect

Architect Painter Surveyor
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About Eugène-Étienne Taché

Lived 1836 – 1912 (aged 75). Eugène-Étienne Taché was a Canadian architect, painter, surveyor and répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec.

Eugène-Étienne Taché, ISO (; October 25, 1836 – March 13, 1912) was a French Canadian surveyor, civil engineer, illustrator and architect. He devised Quebec's provincial coat-of-arms and motto Je me souviens.

As the son of cabinet minister (and future premier) Étienne-Paschal Taché, Eugène-Étienne Taché's early education was quite extensive, but also took place in various locations because of movements to the government. Thus, he studied in both the Petit Séminaire de Québec and at Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario. In 1856, Taché took a three-year course in surveying, and in the course of his education successively studied under Frederick Preston Rubidge, Walter Shanly, and finally Charles Baillairgé. In 1861, he began working for the Department of Crown Lands, and in 1869 he became the assistant commissioner of Crown lands for Quebec, a position in which he was subordinate only to the elected minister of Crown Lands. He held this post until his death.

During his time as assistant commissioner, Taché also did extensive architectural work. Although he hadn't studied it formally, Taché learned a great deal from books and journals that he read. He designed the second-Empire style Parliament Building (Quebec) with three towers in Quebec City from spring 1876-1887.

He designed the new courthouse, and various other buildings, including a monastery. He devised the province's coat-of-arms and motto, Je me souviens ("I remember"). Taché died in Quebec City.

In 1903, he was made a Companion of the Imperial Service Order.

Works monastery of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary at Quebec (1895) porter’s lodge at Spencer Wood in Sillery (1890) Quebec’s pavilion at an exhibition in Jamaica (1891).

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Upper Canada College
Also known as
Eugène Taché, Eugène-Etienne Taché, Eugene-Etienne Taché, Eugene-Etienne Tache, Eugene Tache

People in Eugène-Étienne Taché's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Eugène-Étienne Taché's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Eugène-Étienne Taché?

Canadian architect (1836-1912)

When was Eugène-Étienne Taché born?

Eugène-Étienne Taché was born on 25 October 1836 in Montmagny.

When did Eugène-Étienne Taché die?

Eugène-Étienne Taché died on 13 March 1912 in Quebec City.

What was Eugène-Étienne Taché's occupation?

Eugène-Étienne Taché was an architect, painter, surveyor and répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec.

What nationality was Eugène-Étienne Taché?

Eugène-Étienne Taché was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Eugène-Étienne Taché

· Wikidata: Q2421520

· DBpedia: Eugène-Étienne Taché

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Eugène-Étienne Taché. https://biography.guide/eugene-etienne-tache/

MLA: "Eugène-Étienne Taché." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/eugene-etienne-tache/.

Chicago: "Eugène-Étienne Taché." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/eugene-etienne-tache/.

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