Showing a drawing of the proposed plans for the Québec Bridge, this poster was intended to promote its construction. It leveraged the fame of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, and Simon-Napoléon Parent, President of the Quebec Bridge Company. When this poster was produced, construction of the bridge had been underway for six years. The cornerstone was laid on October 2, 1900.

1906 - 1936

Construction of the Québec Bridge

In the 19th century, Québec City became increasingly isolated without a link by rail to the southern shore of the St. Lawrence. Begun in 1900, construction of the Pont de Québec was completed on September 20, 1917. Two major collapses occurred, in 1907 and 1916, disrupting progress and killing 76 and 13 men, respectively. Initially open only to trains and pedestrians, a carriageway was added in 1929. At 549 metres, its cantilevered, cable-free central span was the longest in the world. This bridge is still considered a masterpiece of modern engineering. How well do you know this bridge?

Future bridge over the St. Lawrence River near Québec City

Auteur inconnu Showing a drawing of the proposed plans for the Québec Bridge, this poster was intended to promote its construction. It leveraged the fame of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, and Simon-Napoléon Parent, President of the Quebec Bridge Company. When this poster was produced, construction of the bridge had been underway for six years. The cornerstone was laid on October 2, 1900.

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

Depicted period: 1906

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1906

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