Plains of Abraham

The name

The plains are likely named after a fisherman called The Scot

The plains are likely named after Abraham Martin, a fisherman and river pilot called The Scot. He moved to Quebec City in 1635 and received 32 acres of land divided between the lower town and the promontory.

The siege

Wolfe came with about 7,000 regular troops and 49 ships

James Wolfe expected to lead 12,000 men but was greeted by approximately 7,000 regular troops. A fleet of 49 ships supported him. In early July a battery at Point Levis nearly levelled the lower town by bombardment.

49ships in the fleet that came up the river

The park

The plains were built over before the park was made in 1908

After the battle the plains stayed nondescript fields with only a monument to Wolfe, and hundreds of acres were built over. The park was created on 17 March 1908, the first National Historic Site in Canada.

Below ground

A reservoir under the park was built between 1931 and 1933

A drinking water reservoir lies about two metres under the surface of the plains. It contains about 136 million litres of water, and its vault is supported by some 900 columns.

136 millionlitres of water held in the reservoir below the park

13 September 1759

The battle of 13 September 1759 ended in about an hour

British soldiers under General Wolfe climbed the steep cliff in darkness and surprised the French. Wolfe died of gunshot wounds as the French began to retreat, and Montcalm died the next morning. The French then evacuated the city.