Called by Jacques Cartier, a French explorer: "cap aux diamantes", by 1759 the city had become a formidable castle situated on high cliffs just where the St. Laurence river narrows.  Quebec was truly the gateway to Canada and lynch pin to French strategy. (David Rumsey Map Collection - www.davidrumsey.com)

A view of the peaceful city from Point Levis.  Wolfe reduced much of it to rubble through extended bombardment from this Point across the river. (RiverBrink Art Museum)