COWANSVILLE

town, Montrgie region, southern Quebec province, Canada. It lies along the south branch of the Yamaska River, 14 miles (23 km) north of the Canada-U.S. boundary. Originally known as Nelsonville (honouring Lord Nelson) after it was settled in the early 19th century, the town was later renamed in honour of its first postmaster, Peter Cowan. Industries include silk, rayon, cotton, and woollen milling, woodworking, and the manufacture of furniture, pottery, footwear, doors, and signs. Inc. 1931. Pop. (1991) 11,982.