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This tree-lined road taken by British soldiers leads to the Citadel of Québec and its fortifications, a stone fortress built after the American invasions of 1775 and 1812–1813.  This watercolour shows the main buildings, circa 1840.
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!

The Citadel and fortifications

John Philip Bainbridge This tree-lined road taken by British soldiers leads to the Citadel of Québec and its fortifications, a stone fortress built after the American invasions of 1775 and 1812–1813. This watercolour shows the main buildings, circa 1840.
Chronoscope Can you locate this image on the map? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1983-47-125 - Date: 1840