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Dating from 1866, this photograph is one of the first to show the aftermath of a major fire in Québec City. Here, we can see the ruins of Saint-Sauveur, a working class district in central Québec City. The neighbourhood was rebuilt by its residents, who salvaged foundation stones and bricks. Buildings in these neighbourhoods still bear the soot of the fire even today.
1845 - 1881

Québec City’s big fires

Québec City experienced major fires in the 19th century. The most memorable were undoubtedly those of 1845. On May 28 and June 28, flames destroyed the Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean and Saint-Louis districts. Other major fires also swept through in 1866, 1876 and 1881, ravaging whole sections of the city. Each time, hundreds, if not thousands, of people had to rebuild their homes and reorganize their daily lives. Fire departments began to develop in the late 19th century, reducing the frequency and scale of these fires. This album bears witness to the residents’ courage in these difficult times.

The aftermath of the 1866 fire

Auteur inconnu Dating from 1866, this photograph is one of the first to show the aftermath of a major fire in Québec City. Here, we can see the ruins of Saint-Sauveur, a working class district in central Québec City. The neighbourhood was rebuilt by its residents, who salvaged foundation stones and bricks. Buildings in these neighbourhoods still bear the soot of the fire even today.
Chronoscope What comments or thoughts does this image evoke for you? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Library and Archives Canada - Date: 1866