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... to Parks Canada's Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. Here, you'll discover some of North America's richest history. You are encouraged to take full advantage of your visit by finding the numbers indicating the location for each audio track. Once at a given site, enter the location number into your device using the numeric keypad to listen to the available content. You can stop or pause the audio track at any time. During your visit, you will be playing a part in the history of Château Saint-Louis. When you hear this sound, imagine that you hold the prestigious office of Governor General of the colony, and when you hear this sound, that you are experiencing a servant's first day of work at the castle. The end of each audio track will be indicated by this sound. Enjoy your visit!Quebec City, which is both a walled city and listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a very rich history. European and Indigenous cultures met in this area even before Samuel de Champlain founded the colony that later became known as New France in 1608. Its immense territory extended from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, west of the British colonies established on part of the Atlantic coast. This French colony was ceded to Great Britain after a famous battle on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City in 1759, which marked the end of the French empire in North America.From 1636 to 1834, the fate of the colony was determined at the fort and Château Saint-Louis, where you are now. This was the official residence of 32 of the 40 Governors General, the highest colonial authority.This high seat of power was at the centre of diplomatic relations between the colonial government and the various First Nations. The Huron-Wendat Nation rightly established itself as an essential ally and an intermediary recognized for its impressive network of alliances, its geographic proximity and its long-standing diplomatic tradition.At around noon on January 23, 1834... disaster struck! Château Saint-Louis was on fire. The fire was an accident. Only the cellars of the culinary complex escaped ruin. For the next 171 years, the prestigious Château Saint-Louis was forgotten. Between 2005 and 2007, it was unearthed through archaeological work. Archaeologists discovered not only the many rooms in the basement, but also over 500,000 artefacts that tell us about the Governor's duties and day-to-day life at the castle.Are you ready to explore this iconic site and travel through centuries of history? Well then, let's go!
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Governor, sir? May I remind you of your important diplomatic meeting scheduled here at Château Saint-Louis in a few days' time? You are to meet a delegation from the Huron-Wendat Nation, including war chief Jean-Baptiste Atironta. In preparation for this meeting, I spoke with interpreters and searched our archives to find out every detail about our guests' customs and rituals during such meetings. We must, of course, respect the traditions of our allies, who are very particular in their diplomacy. As you know, the chiefs of the Huron-Wendat Nation are known for their great poise, determination and eloquence. They are also formidable negotiators, it would seem. Our interpreter provided me with this sketch of Huron-Wendat war chief Jean-Baptiste Atironta for you. Here you are. He is seen here with his ceremonial clothes (ontatia 'tahchondia 'tha') and the attributes of his position. Notice the red paint on his face as well as his tattoos, feathered headdress, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and knife holster. But one of the most important steps in our allies' diplomatic ritual is the exchange of wampum belts (Ahchara'). We know that the chiefs will give you this precious object of high symbolic value. For them, this belt conveys and reminds them of the words spoken when entering into an agreement, renewing an alliance or making a specific request. According to our interpreter, it is composed of several rows of white and purple tubular beads made from seashells. Thousands of beads can be woven together to form squares, diamonds, lines, axes and crosses. It is said that some beads come from as far away as the Atlantic coast. I can't wait to see this!Captain and first war chief of the Yärendahrönon, the Rock nation, Jean-Baptiste Atironta played a considerable role in the history of the Huron-Wendat Nation. In 1649, he helped reach an agreement with French allies to establish a Huron-Wendat fort near Quebec City, on the Nation’s home territory, as recounted in Huron-Wendat mythology and oral tradition. He also participated very actively in the French peace negotiations with the Haudenosaunee, the Iroquois confederation of five nations. The important position that Atironta held among his allies was demonstrated by the presence of Governor Montmagny at the baptism of his wife Catherine and his son Mathieu in Quebec City during the winter of 1645-1646.While it is true that pride (Ontatenses) could be expressed by performing rituals or wearing specific objects, it was also cultivated through outstanding actions likely to maintain and improve diplomatic relations. For example, in 1710, Governor Rigaud de Vaudreuil demonstrated his confidence in the Huron-Wendat by asking them to be his bodyguards when New France entered the war with the New England colonies.
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Well, this is it. Here we are. We are now inside Château Saint-Louis. Oh... By Georges... Once again, you've made a mess of everything! Oh, my, my! It's never-ending! Sorry... What was I saying? Ah, yes... So here we are in the cellars of the castle, as you will have noticed..., where the culinary staff work. Oh, my goodness! What an idiot I am! I've been talking to you about all sorts of things for a long time now and I haven't explained what your job is here! Where is my head today? You will be working for the culinary staff. The French said the “service de la bouche”, that's what we call the servants who prepare the food. Like all of us, your work is of the utmost importance, because what comes out of here and enters the mouth of the Governor and his worthy guests contributes to the success and prestige of the evenings offered by the king's representative. The Swedish naturalist who was invited to one of the Governor's banquets in 1749 is a prime example. Well, in the travel report he wrote after his stay here, Mr. Kalm described our banquets as "sump-tu-ous." This glory falls not only on the Governor, but on all of us. And it is exactly this excellence that must be maintained. Our work is so important that one day, in addition to the Governors, people will also remember those who helped shape this reputation. The room we're in now is the washhouse. This is where we do the thankless and messy jobs that many of us don't like. Get ready to spend A LOT of time here! This is where you'll pluck poultry, cut up meat, wash an astronomical quantity of vegetables and more! Hours of joy await you! And this is the common room; you will eat your meals here with the other servants.
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And now the servery. All the fine glassware and silverware are kept under lock and key in this room. This is also where the finishing touches are added to dishes before they are served at the Governor's table. And by the way... don't harbour any illusions... If you think you'll ever meet the Governor in those smoky cellars... you're dreaming! He never comes down here. He has far too many concerns. Can you imagine yourself, the King's representative, he who maintains an important correspondence with the King himself in France... Can you imagine him coming down here in the basement? It's unthinkable. Just remember: the Governor is the highest dignitary in the entire colony and he has other things to do than walk around our stewing stoves! Coming back to this room here, you see the bed in the corner over there? It is used by the butler who provides service even in the middle of the night. He can rest there during his night shift while waiting for a request for service to reach him through these bells. If one of them rings, he must immediately go to the Governor or his wife to respond to their requests. Our service knows no interruptions. Be prepared to work long hours yourself. Come on. Onward.
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Always bear in mind that all the servants who work here are essential to ensuring that the day-to-day activities and services provided to the Governor and his family run smoothly. Careful! By Georges! I know, Joseph. You're doing your job, and so am I! Sorry! These servants can be... grrrr... intolerable! Know that even if I'm angry, the work always gets done. Right now, we're at the heart of the culinary complex, which includes not only the rooms that you have already seen (the washhouse and the servery), but also the pantry, the root cellar and the actual kitchen, where we are currently. This is where the finest dishes you can imagine are prepared. As you can see, this room is always swarming with activity. The work is not at all easy. The air is often barely breathable and it chokes us. But everyone here works with great zeal. I hope you'll be inspired to do the same.All the items visible in this room are original, including the trapdoor in the hearth and the stones on the floor. At the time, the ceiling of this room was composed of a series of arches, just like the other rooms in the culinary complex. The beginning of these arches can still be seen at the top of the walls. The fireplace dates back to the British Regime, as does the bread oven to its left.
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You are now in the pantry. Like present-day pantries, dry food and leftovers from the Governor's table were stored here. As a new employee in the service of the Governor, your math knowledge will be put to the test, at the request of the head servant. Answer the following question:If there are only 10 loaves of bread, three servings of soup and 32 macaroons left in the pantry, how many employees will be able to have the soup?It was a trick question. Since there are only three servings of soup left, the answer is "three." If you answered correctly, the head servant will consider you an employee with great potential. If not, you'll have to work even harder!
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At Château Saint-Louis, like elsewhere in the colony, the Governors strove to preserve the interests and the honour (Honwatihchiendaenhk) of the Crown they represented. To do so, they held a growing number of diplomatic meetings with First Nations, particularly with the Huron-Wendat Nation. Several historical sources describe such events being held and how they went. A good example is a meeting that took place on June 30, 1665, in Quebec City between representatives of the Huron-Wendat Nation and the French Lieutenant-General, the Marquis de Tracy, a provisional governor general at the time. Having just arrived in New France at the head of the famous Carignan-Salières Regiment, Tracy was honoured by the presentation of six “of the most considerable” gifts, as carefully described by a Huron-Wendat elder. After the fall of New France in 1760 and the advent of a new colonial regime, future British governor James Murray also needed to establish diplomatic ties with the First Nations. It was under those circumstances that, on September 5, 1760, a political, military and trade alliance was formed with the Huron-Wendat Nation. Now known as the Huron-British Treaty of 1760, its impact is still being felt today."Governor, sir, your Huron-Wendat guests have just arrived at Château Saint-Louis for tomorrow's important meeting. The upcoming ceremony will, as you know, respect our allies' traditions. I do not think I am wrong in telling you that the alliances made will be endorsed by gift exchanges and many demonstrations of deference and respect. From what I know of protocol, these rituals could take several days. They consist of a succession of advice and exchanges interspersed with speeches, dances, feasts and cries of satisfaction. Of course, the purpose of these rituals is simply to seal the friendship between the Huron-Wendat Nation and us. We know that the Huron-Wendat representative will offer you six gifts. The specific name given to each gift is intended to perpetuate their meaning in the minds of the parties. I think it's a way to maintain the memory of what the gift symbolizes. Finally, each gift will be followed by a solemn speech echoing the objectives of the meeting which, as you know, consist of renewing the alliance of mutual protection against our common adversaries, namely, the Haudenosaunee, the Iroquois confederation of five nations.
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Ahhhh! You're the new employee that the head servant has sent me. I'm told you're destined for a great career with us. You know that tonight we will be receiving our Huron-Wendat allies. Since there are many of them, we may need many servants for serving. You will therefore remain at our disposal to help serve if necessary. That's why we've asked you to learn four words that demonstrate politeness in the language of the Huron-Wendat Nation. The Governor's interpreter will help you. Listen to him say each word first at a normal speed, then more slowly. You will then have ten seconds to repeat it and practice.Hello: KWEHow are you?: AHSKENNON'NIA IHCHIE'S?Thank you: TIAWENHKGood evening: AHSONTÏO
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Look at the artifact display case in front of you and find the object that best fits the following description: I'm used by the servants of Château Saint-Louis to maintain the exotic or native plants in the Governor's greenhouse. What am I?It's the watering can handle that you can see on the lower shelf. At the time, the watering can was, of course, intact!
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Oh! I see you're beginning to suffocate a bit. You're looking a bit pale. I would agree that the culinary complex is particularly smoky and pungent today. You'll get used to it, rest assured! This is the storage cellar. This is where we store perishable food during the cold season. You'll find plenty of root vegetables and fruits like cabbage, onions, parsnips, carrots and apples, along with red wine, port, Madeira and sherry to accompany the fine dishes served at the Governor's table.Politics and gastronomy go hand in hand. Food can promote and facilitate the negotiation of an agreement or alliance or symbolically seal it. As such, the cellar is a kind of treasure chest.In the next stage of your journey, you'll be able to explore the diplomats' corridor, a bit farther on. You will be introduced to some French and British Governors as well as prominent diplomats of the Huron-Wendat Nation. Throughout the French and British Regimes, cooperation and alliances with First Nations were absolutely fundamental and a priority for the governors, since they could influence the fate or unity of the colony. The many chiefs and grand chiefs of the Huron-Wendat Nation incessantly developed fruitful diplomatic relations that led to strong alliances with the colonial power. These diplomats were distinguished by qualities including their political intelligence, wisdom, skills as warriors and great eloquence. Huron-Wendat diplomats' mastery of public speaking made them formidable negotiators.You may now move around to explore the diplomats' corridor.
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Exchange, sharing and giving are fundamental values for First Nations. Exchanging goods, sharing one's wealth and giving gifts brings respect (Erihwändoronkhwa'), esteem and prestige. Exchanging gifts is not only a social but also a diplomatic obligation. In this context, gifts are used to negotiate agreements and build nation-to-nation alliances. To maintain treaties that have been concluded, which are guarantors of good relations, they must be reiterated as often as possible in protocol ceremonies. The gifts exchanged vary considerably. The Huron-Wendat would offer wampum belts, pelts, tobacco and various decorative objects, while the French and British would offer fabric, clothing, accessories, practical products, foodstuffs, armour and ornaments, and iron objects such as cauldrons, axes and hooks. The quantities of objects exchanged could sometimes be impressive, as evidenced by the 35,700 metres of clothing or the 20,000 metres of blankets donated by the British in 1832. Colonial authorities also offered First Nations representatives distinctive objects symbolizing their alliance and confirming their gratitude to these dignitaries, such as medals, pipe tomahawks, bracelets and brooches that later became strong symbols of past alliances.Thank you for visiting Parks Canada's Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. We invite you to retrace your steps and immerse yourself in the site's history.To learn more about the history of the Huron-Wendat Nation, visit the Huron-Wendat Museum and Tsawenhohi House in Wendake. Ask Parks Canada guides for more information.Well, that's it! That concludes the tour of your new workplace. You start tomorrow morning at sunrise with culinary services at Château Saint-Louis. Be ready and above all... be on time! Go on! Goodbye!
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Ahhh! Here you are at last! I've been waiting for you. I am Mr./Mrs. Menut, the son/daughter of the cook and the head servant. Yes, I know, there's a lot of coming and going these days. It's madness! We're preparing the banquet this evening, ordered by the Governor. Hummm! By the look on your face, I'm guessing that you're not sure where you are! Let me explain everything, from the top. You're in the outer courtyard of Château Saint-Louis. The castle itself is right next to it. You'll see it later. This is where the Governor General lives and where he makes all the political decisions that affect the entire colony. Until 1663, he held all the power and was responsible for military command, civilian leadership, executing royal decrees, legal matters and diplomacy. But now he shares these responsibilities with the Sovereign Council which, in addition to the Governor, includes the intendant, the bishop and a few councillors. The Governor often receives these high-ranking officials. But they are not the only ones... We also regularly serve military officers—because staff meetings are also held at the castle—as well as many diplomats. Oh, yes! Our Governor is also responsible for relations with other colonies and with First Nations. The delicious dishes prepared here therefore delight the palates of all these wonderful people, whether they be military, clergymen, natives, dignitaries or high-ranking diplomats. You will therefore be helping to prepare the meals of all these important people. Remember this at all times: You are in the service of the Governor, and your work therefore requires the utmost attention and careful execution. Is that understood? Now it's time to show you around. Follow me.
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Governor, sir, please forgive the intrusion! Here is the document you asked me to prepare. It includes the main topics to be covered in your next correspondence with the King's court. Of course, they concern diplomatic relations with First Nations. But, as your senior counsellor, may I offer a few suggestions? Very well. As you know, there are many more settlers in the 13 British east-coast colonies than there are His Majesty's subjects in New France. This poses a real threat to us. You must therefore strengthen our alliances with these First Nations to ensure the defence and integrity of New France’s vast territory. I cannot advise you strongly enough, Governor, sir, to make diplomatic relations with First Nations a priority, since the fate of the colony depends on it. As I have seen from our records, some of your predecessors had the same concern. Governor Rigaud de Vaudreuil, for example, said that diplomacy was, in his own words, "the main business of this country" and that we must maintain a "great union" with our allies. I trust you will lead your own government in a similar vein. Is that not so?At the beginning of the 17th century, First Nations and French authorities entered into agreements for military support to fight their common enemies as well as trade alliances over the fur trade. The Huron-Wendat Nation thus found itself at the heart of political, military and trade alliances based on common values such as pride, honour and respect.For more than two centuries, Château Saint-Louis was the political heart of the capital and a first-hand witness of numerous diplomatic meetings (Teontatrihwaoha') between Governors and First Nations, particularly the Huron-Wendat Nation. Close ties with the Nation were developed in several ways. For example, in 1657, French Governor D'Ailleboust and the Huron-Wendat agreed to build the Huron fort in response to relentless pressure from the Haudenosaunee, the Iroquois confederacy of five nations. This highly strategic settlement for the Huron-Wendat was established near Fort Saint-Louis. For a decade, it was a witness to the scope of the alliance between the various colonial regimes and the Huron-Wendat Nation. The ground projection of a 1660 map of Québec City demonstrates this physical and political proximity.
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We're still in the big outer courtyard of the castle. It stretches all the way to the back there on your right where the castle itself is. This is where ALL the servants have to enter the building. Take care to never, NEVER pass through the main entrance, which is reserved for the Governor and his guests. I don't want to have to reprimand you for it. Look around you. All the buildings you see are outbuildings that serve the Governor's every need. On your left, the windows you see are those of the greenhouse. Farther back is the Governor's garden. On this side are the stable, the laundry facilities, a few sheds and, here in front of you, the ice house where food is kept cool in the cold cellar above the ice pit. This same preservation method was also used here a long time ago, in the time of Governor Frontenac. But this cooler was built in 1771. You will certainly come here to fetch food and maybe even ice, because our good governor, like Frontenac, loves the sorbets that our confectioner prepares for him. Onward!
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You still haven't realized how lucky you are to work here. It will come. Believe you me. The work is demanding and not easy, but rewarding. It is as if you were in the service of the King himself! You are privileged! Remember that! Sometimes you'll need to go outside to air out your lungs, because inside it's dark and often smoky, especially during banquet preparations, as is the case now. If you go out, this is where you come in. But be sure to let me know in advance. I'll be furious if I have to go looking for you... and you won't like me when I'm cross! Understood?In 1838, four years after the fire at Château Saint-Louis, the remaining walls were demolished. Governor Durham had the first major public square in Québec City built over the ruins: Durham terrace. It measured about 50 metres long, and Quebecers colloquially referred to it as the "platform." In the 1870s, Governor Lord Dufferin, a staunch defender of conserving and developing Québec City's fortifications, proposed extending the old Durham terrace 300 metres towards the promontory, where the present-day Citadel is located. Thus the terrace we know today was born! Now move towards the two small artifact display cases to your left.
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European colonists' ongoing and irreversible settlement of the St. Lawrence Valley and increased contact with First Nations, including the Huron-Wendat Nation, considerably modified the alliance and trade networks already in place. While the French saw this as an opportunity to extend their territorial influence, exploit new economic resources or even convert other peoples, their ambitions could not be realized without strong diplomatic relations with the various Indigenous nations. That is what happened beginning in the early 17th century with the Huron-Wendat Nation, who played a vital role in forming alliances and became an essential political and military ally of the colonial power. Its vast network of alliances, its privileged trade connections and the fact that it occupied a strategic territory that included the seat of power that was Quebec City contributed to its prominent diplomatic position with the various colonial authorities. Despite the advent of a new political reality in the 18th century in the form of the British Regime, the Huron-Wendat continued to be the stakeholders and intermediaries of choice for the colonial power and other nations.Although the Governor's role evolved over the centuries, one constant remained. The Governor was the King's representative in the colony and the head of the civil, diplomatic and military administration. The Governor was therefore the highest dignitary in the colony and, as such, enjoyed the honours due to that rank. The pageantry surrounding him was a constant reminder of his rank. His residence was therefore a place of power, but also of prestige, as evidenced by the great value of some of the artifacts found on site. For example, look at artifact no. 7 in the display on the right. This delicate gold pin set with turquoises is one of the most precious objects uncovered. It once decorated the headpiece of a lady who may have lost it at a social function held at the castle!We know that several important ceremonies were celebrated at Château Saint-Louis, whether on the occasion of religious holidays, the swearing-in of a new governor or diplomatic meetings with First Nations, such as the one that took place on May 22, 1658, which was marked by tragedy. During the assembly between the Governor and allied nations, including the Huron-Wendat Nation... the front balcony of the castle collapsed. Luckily, no one was hurt.In 1748, another important meeting took place in the grand audience hall at Château Saint-Louis. This time, the Marquis de la Galissonnière received a large delegation of 80 chiefs from the Haudenosaunee, the Iroquois confederacy of five nations.
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Over the years, four forts and two castles were successively erected on the same site where Champlain, the founder of Quebec City, established his first fort and corps de logis in 1620. Several expansions were then constructed in 1643, 1693 and 1723, the year when Governor Vaudreuil retained the services of engineer Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry. Based on this Governor's correspondence, Madame de Vaudreuil, his wife, demanded that what had been done at Château de Versailles be reproduced and that her own apartments and those of her husband be placed at each end of the building. This symmetry can still be observed today thanks to the remains of the two latrine wings on either side of the building.After the siege of Quebec City in 1759, the castle was heavily damaged by British bombardment. Its position on top of a promontory made it a vulnerable target. Under British rule, the former French colony was now administered by the first British Governor, James Murray. He decided to repair Château Saint-Louis to establish his government there. The building was renovated again in 1811, under the mandate of Governor James Henry Craig, nicknamed the "little king." He considerably modified the architecture of the building by adding a third floor.
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Numerous precious objects, found during archaeological excavations, testify to the Governor's prestigious and advantageous position within the colony. It is rare that an object can be attributed to a particular Governor, but specialists have been able to do so with some of the artifacts displayed in this showcase. For example, look at the Chinese porcelain goblet that Governor Rigaud de Vaudreuil likely used in the early-18th century to enjoy his hot chocolate at breakfast. You will also notice the silver spoon belonging to Governor George Ramsay, 9th Count of Dalhousie and the wine bottle seals marked with the coat of arms of Governor Beauharnois—the fact that these were found in large quantities indicates the importance of this precious liquid and the care that the Governor took in choosing a quality libation.
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Some Governors' wives accompanied their husbands on their travels overseas to the distant colony. This was the case, for example, for Lady Louisa Anne Whitworth-Aylmer, who lived at Château Saint-Louis from 1830 to 1834 Lady Aylmer owned an animal that she let wander freely through Château Saint-Louis. What was it?a) A dogb) A birdc) A ratd) A horseThe correct answer is a bird. Lady Aylmer mentioned in her diary that she let her canaries fly in the rooms of the castle. During archaeological excavations, archaeologists found fragments of a bird water trough, including the one presented in this display case. It seems it was common to have a small bird in the castle, since this artifact was used before Lady Aylmer's arrival.
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