History of the Park
The Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park, has a rich history beyond the battles that made it famous. From a precolonial meeting place to the biggest events of the 21st century, discover the fascinating story of this historic site.
The Name of the Plains of Abraham
The first mention of the name "Plains of Abraham" appears on a map from 1734, 70 years after Abraham's death. Following the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759, the toponym "Plains of Abraham" became firmly established in history and entered the common vocabulary of the people of Quebec.
Over the years, the area of the city known as the Plains of Abraham has shifted slightly, gradually moving westward and then northward. In 1908, with the creation of the National Battlefields Commission, the first section of land acquired to create the Battlefields Park still retained the name of the Plains of Abraham.
Explore the different historical periods to learn more about the history of this territory.
As a meeting place near the St. Lawrence River, the promontory of Quebec attracted numerous visitors and travellers. After the founding of Québec in 1608, the land was progressively settled by the residents. This was also the period in which it gained its name, Plains of Abraham.
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham and the Battle of Sainte-Foy. These two important battles took place during a major war between the French and British empires. In Québec City, they were the most significant events of the siege that beleaguered the city between the spring of 1759 and the spring of 1760. The regiments involved, military strategies, and key figures are included in this section.
After the British conquest in 1760, the Plains of Abraham continued to be a strategic site for the city: it was the site of the American invasion in 1775-1776, the first line of defence against an attack during the War of 1812, and the home of an arms manufacturer in the late 19th century. What were the Plains of Abraham before they became the park of today?
The National Battlefields Commission was formed in 1908 and given a mandate to develop the Battlefields Park as a historic park. Discover the history of how this urban park was developed into the premier gathering place in Québec City and the major events it hosted throughout the 20th century.
