McGill University; Avenue McGill College. James McGill (1744-1813) was a Scottish merchant who came to Canada to participate in the fur trade. Elected a member of the parliament of Lower Canada, he acquired the land he named Burnside in 1798. He was rumoured to be the richest man in Montreal.When he died, he left the property and £10,000 to the Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning for the foundation of a college. McGill University was founded in 1821 and is now one of the most prestigious universities in Canada. (This author is not just saying that because it happens to be his alma mater.)
James McGill is not to be confused with Peter McGill (1789-1860), who is depicted in the large stained-glass mural in the station. He was a Scottish-born Montreal businessman who founded the first railway company established in Canada and served as second mayor of Montreal 1840-42.
As for ave. McGill College, which leads directly up to the main entrance (Roddick Gates) of the university, it was already known by that name when it was ceded to the the City of Montreal in 1856.
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