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In the mid-19th century, daily life in Québec City was marked by a strong British military presence.  The city was a strategic location to defend in the event of an American attack. Here we see the Citadel, with its barracks, hangars, armoury, powder magazines and even a hospital! Soldiers trained regularly, as artist George Seton shows in this superb watercolour.
1840 - 1873

Changing of the guard in Québec City

After the American revolutionaries’ 1775 attack on Québec City, the British authorities reinforced their military presence in the city. Considered to be a strategic site to defend, Québec City was home to large British garrisons. For decades, the daily lives of the city’s residents were marked by this heavy military presence. Things changed, however, with the signing of the Treaty of Washington on May 8, 1871, which settled several disputes between Britain and the United States. An era of peaceful political relations began, and most of the British garrisons left Québec City with a grand ceremony. Relive the events through the period’s artworks!

British military manoeuvres seen from the Citadel

George Seton In the mid-19th century, daily life in Québec City was marked by a strong British military presence. The city was a strategic location to defend in the event of an American attack. Here we see the Citadel, with its barracks, hangars, armoury, powder magazines and even a hospital! Soldiers trained regularly, as artist George Seton shows in this superb watercolour.
Chronoscope What comments or thoughts does this piece evoke for you? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. R9266-379 - Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1863