'View from Citadel, Quebec, 1835 (c).'

Watercolour by Captain J Elgee, 34th Regiment of Foot.

Quebec's original French Citadel was built of wood, and this was maintained by the British following its capture in 1759. But the War of 1812 (1812-1815) with the United States, and growing concerns about internal rebellion, led to its replacement in 1820 with a stronger stone star fort. This was completed in 1850 and included gun batteries, barracks and an arms and supplies depot. British troops finally departed the Citadel in 1871 after Canada became responsible for its own defence.