History of Quebec
Quebec is a society that has persevered through continuous struggles and hardships: long and harsh winters, unpredictable harvests, vast oceans and infinite forests, vast territories without any communication tools, and confrontations with neighbouring nations…
It has been tough, but over 400 years, people of Quebec, supported by their faith, raised large families, established communities, ploughed land, harvested grain, milled lumber, built churches, barns, and homes.
The Quebeckers have become a close-knit community and toughened people, deeply devoted to their land and customs. Despite all the hardship, this people has never lost their gayety and has always found opportunities for celebration: weddings, baptisms, welcome and house-warming parties.
The richness of Quebec history is celebrated in a network of protected sites recounting the events that shaped Quebec and Canada.
A wealth of adventures, learning experiences, and wonders await visitors in national historic sites and national parks. Tourists get a unique opportunity of exploring one-of-a-kind, authentic, and priceless heritage.
Significant examples of Quebec’s and Canada’s history and culture reflect our identity and our values. That is why all these military forts, canals, buildings, and other historical areas are protected and preserved for present and future generations.
At each site, guests live through a unique experience enriching their understanding of today’s world.
Photo of the ammunition market in Quebec City, taken circa 1758, offered by © YanniQc
In the sections below, learn more about history of Quebec.
- Historic Sites of Quebec
- First Nations
- Life of the Amerindians
- Cartier's first voyage
- Port of Brest
- Second expedition is coming…
- Second Voyage begins
- First contacts
- Traveling to Hochelaga
- Second voyage: conclusion
- Cartier's third voyage
- System of companies
- First permanent settlement
- Champlain explores Canada
- Champlain's second voyage
- Founding of Quebec
- Mutiny
- On the brink of the abyss
- War begins
- The first battle
- Earthquake of 1638
- Griffin
- Governors of New France*
- Arrival of the new Governor
- War of the Grand Alliance
- The Ultimatum
- Battle of Quebec
- Seigneurial system
- Everyday life
- House
- Surrender of Quebec City
- Louisbourg
- Siege of Louisbourg
- Fall of Louisbourg
- Captain of militia
- Chrismass tree
- Church in New France
- Carignan Regiment
- Massacre of Lachine
- New France in 1749
- Seven-years War
- Jummonville Affair
- Battle of Fort Beausejour
- Voltaire and Canada
- Preface to the battle
- Siege of Quebec
- Final battle comes
- Battle of the Plains of Abraham
- Fall of Quebec
- The French strike back
- Battle of Sainte-Foy
- Aftermath the battle of St. Foy
- Battle of the Restigouche
- Canada in 1760
- Montreal in 1760
- Bigot and the war
- Church after the Conquest
- Fall of Montreal
- After the contest
- Mrs. Brooke
- Emily Montague
- Quebec Act
- Prelude to invasion
- On the brink of war
- First skirmishes
- Battle of Fort Saint-Jean
- Americans take Montreal
- Arnold goes to Quebec
- Americans siege Quebec City
- Assault of Quebec City
- After the Battle
- Revolutionaries and Quebec
- End of the invasion
- War of 1812
- Naval battle of June 1813
- Battle of the Chateauguay
- Canals in Quebec
- First bank in Canada
- Lumbering
- Patriots
- The rebellion begins
- Battle of St – Denis
- Battle of St - Denis
- Battle of St - Charles
- Battle of St - Eustache
- Railroads in Quebec
- The Irish Invasion
- Time to change
- Covered bridges
- Canadian Cow
- Godfather Cordasco
- Empress of Ireland
- War and compulsory service
- Conscription Crisis
- Stock Market Crash
- Coping with the crisis
- Great Britain - Canada flights