Plains of Abraham
![[Gardens on the Plains]](dc033.gif)
The Plains of Abraham is a 107 hectare site that was developed by the
National Battlefields Commission to commemorate the battles that were fought
in Quebec City in 1759, 1760 and 1775.
The Seven Years War
The Seven Years War was the first war that truly spanned the globe. It
involved Britain, Prussia and Hanover against France, Austria, Sweden,
Saxony, Russia and Spain.
In 1754, a Virginian major of militia called George Washington attacked
a small French detachment. The British responded by sending two regiments
to America. The French, on learning of this sent six battalions to reinforce
and protect Canada and Louisbourg. From here there was a series of small
skirmishes and in 1756, Britain declared war.
Battle of the Plains of Abraham
In 1759, the British, under the command of Major General James Wolfe, advanced
into the St. Lawrence River and on September 13th attacked the French,
under the command of Lieutenant General the marquis de Montcalm. Wolfe's
troops scaled the cliffs below the Plains of Abraham and attacked. The
battle was short and the city surrendered a few days later. Both Montcalm
and Wolfe were mortally wounded.
Battle of Ste-Foy
In 1760 the French tried, unsuccessfully, to take Quebec City out of British
control. A force of 5000 French soldiers engaged 3900 British soldiers
just outside of the city walls and defeated them easily. While they were
waiting for reinforcements they laid siege to the city. The British reinforcements
arrived first, though, and they French had to retreat to Montreal.
Later in the year, the British captured Montreal and the French control
over New France fell.
Re-enactments of the battles fought on the Plains are sometimes staged
during the summer months.
