French fort built by Paul de Chomedy, Sieur de Maisonneuve, at Point Callière, site of present Customs House, Montreal. Built in 1642 of wood and palisaded. Maisonneuve was Governor for 22 years. This fort for over quarter of a century was continually attacked and harassed by the Iroquois. It bore the brunt of the Indian attacks and protected the settlements farther down the river. Because of the natural advantages of its situation, control of large part of the fur trade was soon transferred to it, and it became the base for outfitting and departure of exploring expeditions to the West.