Geography of Quebec City
Quebec (French: Québec), the capital of Quebec Province. It lies at the junction of the St. Charles and St. Lawrence rivers, about 300 miles (480 km) southwest of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The name probably comes from the Indian word kebec, meaning "river narrows here." The historic walled city of Quebec, the only walled city left in North America, is bordred by the modern city.
Quebec stands on Cape Diamond, a promontory edged by a sheer cliff. The cliff rises 300 feet (90 m) above the St. Lawrence River. The city is divided into Lower Town, at the base of the cliff, and Upper Town, on the top. The old walled city is in Upper Town. Modern residential and commercial areas spread along the St. Charles River valley.
More than any other North American city, Quebec has the appearance and atmosphere of an old European city. For a century (1663–1763) it was the capital of New France (French colonial Canada). More than ninetenths of the people are French-speaking, and French customs prevail.
Government administration and tourism are the chief economic activities in Quebec. Carnaval, a pre-Lent celebration, is an annual event that draws many tourists. The main manufacturing industries produce clothing, leather goods, processed foods, beverages, and pulp and paper.
Quebec is an important port on the St. Lawrence River, serving both river craft and oceangoing vessels. The city has large storage and transshipment facilities, especially for grain and petroleum. Quebec is well served by roads, railways, and airlines.
Landmarks and Places of InterestIn Lower Town, site of the original settlement, many 17th- and 18th-century structures have been restored, particularly in the vicinity of the Place Royale, the main square. Upper Town has a number of the city's chief attractions. The main square is the Place d'Armes, which is dominated by the castle-like Chateau Frontenac, an enormous hotel built in the 1890's. Near the square are two adjoining promenades—Dufferin Terrace, a boardwalk, and Governor's Walk—that stretch along the cliff's edge and afford excellent views. Overlooking the St. Lawrence is the Citadel, Quebec's great fortress. It was built by the British between 1820 and 1832 on the site of an earlier French fortification, remnants of which were preserved. The Citadel occupies about 40 acres (16 hectares) of land and includes a parade ground, a museum of military history, and the summer residence of Canada's governor general. The daily changing of the guard attracts many tourists. Within the walled portion of Upper Town are picturesque streets and many historic structures, including the Ursuline Convent, dating from the 17th century; the Basilica of Notre Dame; and the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral. Outside of the walls on the Plains of Abraham is National Battlefields Park, site of the Battle of Quebec (1759).
Education and CultureLaval University is the chief institution of higher learning in the city. It is an outgrowth of a Roman Catholic seminary established in 1663. Among the city's museums are the Quebec Museum, which features paintings, furniture, and handicrafts; and the Quebec Seminary Museum, with collections of art, coins, and stamps. The Grand Theatre, a performing arts center, presents musical events and stage performances and is the home of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra.
History of Quebec CityQuebec is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in what is now Canada and played a crucial role in the development of New France. The city stands on the site of an Indian village, Stadacona, that was visited by Jacques Cartier in 1535. The first white settlement, a trading post, was established by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. In 1620 he built a fort on the cliff top. The post fell to the British in 1629, but by the Treaty of St. Germain (1632) it was returned to France.
In 1663 Quebec became the capital of New France. The little settlement withstood bombardment by British fleets in 1690 and 1711. In 1759, however, the British, led by General Wolfe, scaled the cliff and captured the city from the French under the Marquis de Montcalm. Although Quebec officially passed under British control in 1763, French customs endured.
In 1851-55 and 1859-65 Quebec was the capital of United Canada. It became the capital of Quebec Province in 1867. In the 20th century Quebec was the site of World War II military conferences between American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Beginning in the 1950's, the city became a center of the separatist movement (independence from Canada for Quebec Province). In the 1970's, restoration of many historic structures built by the French colonists was undertaken. In 2002, 12 neighboring municipalities became a part of the city of Quebec.
Population (2001 census): 169,076.