The Very Heart Of The Continent

 Video screens on either side of the path show a re-enactment of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, which took place at Quebec City during the French and Indian War. It would decide the fate of the continent- the city occupied the high ground over the St. Lawrence River, and thus was the very key to holding North America.

A model of the battleground is seen here, with the lines of British, French, and militia laid out.

Both commanding generals made mistakes, as noted on the display alongside the model. But the mistakes of Montcalm would set the stage for the British victory, even though both commanding generals would die of their injuries.

This is a Loyalist uniform, dating to the American Revolution. Rebels attempted to seize Quebec City early in the war, but were pushed back out by British regulars and militia. Loyalists would move to Canada following the Revolution.

The War of 1812 would see American invasions again. In this display case are weapons and tools of the Revolution and the War of 1812.

This display case includes a painting of a Mohawk warrior, John Norton, along with other items- a musket, war club, tomahawk, medal, and wampum belt. Norton would fight alongside the British during the War of 1812.

This coat has particular distinction. It is the uniform coat of Sir Isaac Brock, the commanding general at the Battle of Queenston Heights. Brock was shot leading a charge, dying instantly. The bullet that killed him left its mark on the uniform, directly beneath the collar.

It was a bloody war, but time and again, British military, First Nations warriors, and Canadian militia pushed back the American invasion.

This surgical kit would have been common to that war and in the decades that followed.

Later in the 19th century, as the bloody Civil War raged south of the border, Canadian leaders took from that as an example not to follow, and united in Confederation. After the war ended, Irish American veterans of the Union Army launched what were called the Fenian Raids- an attempt to hold Canada for ransom to get the British to grant Irish independence. Each time, the invasions were pushed back. The display case includes a Union service cap and medals. We'll get back into this series after the theme day.