Samuel de Champlain Establishes City of Quebec (1608)
On July 3, 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded the city of Quebec, Canada.
Quebec (French: Ville de Québec) is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and has a population of around half a million. It is also is one of the oldest European cities in North America.
On July 3, 1608, Champlain and around thirty French colonists founded Quebec against difficult conditions. For example, in their first winter of 1608-1609, only nine colonists survived. But by the spring new colonists arrived, trade increased, and Champlain and the colonists forged alliances with the local native tribes.
After the initial establishment of Quebec, Champlain traveled back to France for a few years then returned to the city in 1613 to further build it. Champlain, called “The Father of New France” for his accomplishment in establishing Quebec, was also an explorer, diplomat, cartographer, administrator, and governor.
During the American Revolution, American forces attempted to overtake Quebec in the Battle of Quebec. However, the British successfully defeated the American colonists and effectively split North American between the British and Americans.
Today, Quebec City is internationally known for its French culture, festivals, and hotel Château Frontenac, which prominently stands out on the city’s skyline.