A ballroom scene inside the Château Saint-Louis, in the heart of Québec City! Once used for defence and the exercise of power during the French Regime, the Château was later taken over by the British authorities. In the early 19th century, prestigious balls were held here. The city’s elite came to dance minuets and contra dances.

1801 - 1834

Château Saint-Louis in the early 19th century

The origins of Château Saint-Louis date back to 1620 and New France. The colony’s leaders built this structure for both administration and military defence. Extended several times over the years, the Château Saint-Louis was partially destroyed during the Conquest of 1759. Subsequently, the British authorities rebuilt Château Saint-Louis and, starting in 1784, added Château Haldimand alongside it. It was from here that the authorities, nicknamed “the castle clique” by the locals, ran the colony. Explore these places through the artworks of the period!

Dancing at the Château Saint-Louis

George Heriot A ballroom scene inside the Château Saint-Louis, in the heart of Québec City! Once used for defence and the exercise of power during the French Regime, the Château was later taken over by the British authorities. In the early 19th century, prestigious balls were held here. The city’s elite came to dance minuets and contra dances.

Chronoscope What do you see in this image? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1801

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1989-472-1 - Date: 1801

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