Although originally a mission post on the Upper Ottawa River when a Hudson's Bay Post was built at the foot of the long rapids.
By 1871 Rapides des Joachims had become a small village, doing a considerable lumber business. River steamers called here because at that time it was the head of the Ottawa River navigation. There was a Montreal Telegraph Company office here, and a steamer begn to make the run 18 miles upriver to Roch Capitaine by the early 1870'S.
In 1886 the Oblate Fathers built a frame church in the village, replacing it with a new church in 1922 which is still standing.
James Henry Madore became Mayor when Rapides des Joachims was incorporated in 1955, and later Aberdeen Township was added.
Today "Swisha" is known for good hunting and fishing and offers many other attractions for Nature lovers; and it is home to the most modern Sawmill in Canada, owned by Common-wealth Plywood.