ON THIS DAY

July 12, 1759 — The British siege of Québec City began with intensive cannon fire and firebombing. The firebombs were made of pitch, tar and powder. Three hundred bombs fell the first day. Though the city was devastated, the British were unable to overcome its steep cliffs and stone walls. Noticing a small cove 3 km to the west, Major-General James Wolfe and his troops scaled the cliffs, and advanced towards the Plains of Abraham.

To learn more, visit the Historica Canada website at www.historicacanada.ca