This lithograph shows the early commercial vitality of Côte-de-la-Fabrique area in the 19th century. Residents and stalls can be seen on the Place du Marché, in front of Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica. Over the years, the area was bolstered by many businesses that were enjoyed by both French-speaking workers and the English-speaking elite. The picture shows a butcher’s stall.

1801 - 1832

Québec City’s marketplace in the early 19th century

The first market in Québec City opened in Place Royale in 1649. As the city’s population grew and the economy expanded, at least a dozen markets sprung up in the 19th century. These included the Place du Marché in Québec City’s Upper Town. This market became a strategic meeting place for town and country folk alike, to conduct business, stock up on goods and exchange the latest news. At first held out of doors, it eventually moved into an indoor market building. Ready to go shopping?

View of Place du Marché and the Catholic church, from the barracks on De la Fabrique Street.

W. Walton, after Robert Auchmuty Sproule This lithograph shows the early commercial vitality of Côte-de-la-Fabrique area in the 19th century. Residents and stalls can be seen on the Place du Marché, in front of Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica. Over the years, the area was bolstered by many businesses that were enjoyed by both French-speaking workers and the English-speaking elite. The picture shows a butcher’s stall.

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Depicted period: 1832

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1832

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