The Mattawa River flows into Trout Lake and also flows due east to the Ottawa River at Mattawa.  The river was discovered by Etienne Brulé.  The Mattawa River is the widest and deepest of the west tributaries of the Ottawa.  It was the chief channel by which glacial Lake Algonquin drained to the sea through the Ottawa Valley.

Etienne Brulé was the first white man to set camp at the meeting of the waters in 1610 at the age of 18.

In July of 1615, Samuel de Champlain rested a few days and repaired his canoe in Mattawa.

In 1830, a permanent Hudson's Bay Post was set up on the Mattawa Explorer's Point and Mattawa was in the making.

Mattawa's first Post Office was located in the Hudson's Bay Store in 1856 to 1858.  The second post office was located in the first Mattawa store built in 1864 and operated by James Bangs.  This closed in 1877.  The current Post Office officially opened in 1955.

August 9, 1860, the first baptism took place.  Antoine Thivierge was born on August 7, 1858 and was baptised by the Missionary Priest.  In the early 1890's, mass was celebrated in the new building.  On January 1, 1890 the 1st baptism was performed on the twin daughters of Peter Stephen and Charlotte Commandmant.

Henri Morel and Alexina Bangs had the first wedding in St. Anne's Parish on January 9, 1890.  During this year the church register recorded 100 baptisms, 25 marriages, and 51 burials.

Historical Figures

Samuel de Champlain
Etienne Brulé
Grey Owl
Anahereo
Big Joe Mufferaw
Henri Morel
Alexina Bangs
Albert Gauvreau
Dr. S.F. Monestime
Mike Rodden
F.J. McElligott