a sharp economic decline caused by the Seven Years' War, the forges remained interesting enough for the British to take over when they gained control of the colony in 1760. Therefore, under State direction the forges made better progress but did not reach total success because of multiple disruptive wars, and because of the lack of interests from colonial labor forces as well as deceived governmental hopes of finding private associates to take over. British rule The Forges continued under British rule, as a leased concession. From 1800 to 1845, they were the concern of Matthew Bell. In 1806, controversy erupted when the firm of Monro and Bell was re-awarded the lease for 790 pounds less than the expired lease, because the Executive Council under the stewardship of Thomas Dunn had failed to set a reserve price. In 1810 the plant contributed all of the ironwork to John Molson's Accommodation ferryboat, which was the first steamship to ply the waters of the St. Lawrence river. The Forges had become obsolete long since when they were decommissioned in 1883. As historical site In 1973, Forges du Saint-Maurice became a National Historic Park, until that category of national park unit was retired in favour of "National Historic Site". Archaeological research there continues. See also François Poulin de Francheville List of National Historic Sites References External links Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada Economic history of Canada Buildings and structures in Trois-Rivières National Historic Sites in Quebec Museums in Mauricie Industry museums in Canada Protected areas of Mauricie Heritage sites in Mauricie