John Molson was an extraordinarily successful entrepreneur who also possessed a keen sense of social responsibility.
Born in England, John Molson came to Canada as a young man, and in 1786 founded what is today Canada's most successful brewery. Several years later, he built the first entirely Canadian-made steamboat, a venture which later expanded to a fleet of 22 steamboats that helped to open up the country to settlement and trade.
Molson also opened Canada's first industrial grain distillery, which remained the largest in Canada until its closure in 1866. From this distillery, Molson became the first exporter of Canadian-made spirits to England.
While he was an astute businessman, John Molson was also motivated by a strong sense of commitment to the community. He was the driving force among a group of private citizens who founded Montreal's first public hospital, Montreal General Hospital. He was also a major shareholder in the private company that built Montreal's first permanent theatre, Theatre Royal.
John Molson died in 1836 at 72 years of age, just as construction was beginning on his latest project, Canada’s first railroad.
Top of Page
