In the 19th century, British shipyards were legion in the Québec City area. One of them belonged to John Saxton Campbell and George Black. Their operations were concentrated at Cape Cove, below the James Wolfe monument on the Plains of Abraham. The yard mainly repaired ships used in Britain’s international trade.

1820 - 1831

Never far from the water

In 19th-century Québec City, the water was never far away. Whether the St. Lawrence or the St. Charles rivers, waterways surround the areas were the city’s main activities took place. Shipbuilding and shipping continued to be central to the local economy. Much of the population made its living off the close connection between city and water. Here are a few works by the era’s artists that bear witness to this relationship. Help us document these images with your knowledge!

Going down to Campbell’s Yard, below the Plains of Abraham, 1828

James Pattison Cockburn In the 19th century, British shipyards were legion in the Québec City area. One of them belonged to John Saxton Campbell and George Black. Their operations were concentrated at Cape Cove, below the James Wolfe monument on the Plains of Abraham. The yard mainly repaired ships used in Britain’s international trade.

Chronoscope Can you pinpoint the exact location from which this watercolour was made? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1828

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1934-399 - Date: 1828

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