The Love Triangle That Brought Down Québec

A story about a colony, a thief, his wife, and her lover.
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*French subtitles coming soon!
The novel written in 1877 that Madame Pean starred in is called 'The Golden Dog/Le Chien d'Or,' written by the Canadian author William Kirby (his most popular novel). The book draws on the historical background of Quebec City and "tells its story through two intertwining plotlines. The first is of the lady Angélique de Méloizes, Madame de Péan, while the second is of Coronel Pierre Philibert, the son of a prosperous merchant."
In case you're wondering why we are calling a cannonball a bomb: it's because it is a bomb-cannonballs are much smaller. Bombs like this one had explosive powder packed into a hollow core, as well as a wick that stuck out which would have been lit before it was fired from a cannon. We could have called it a cannonball, because in common parlance most people still do, but we wanted to be more accurate-kind of a lose-lose situation.
Similarly, in case this comes up in the comments: the bomb in the base of the elm tree may or may not have been moved into the position it sits today (from nearby). There are three running theories-and no definitive winner. The "most popular" is that the bomb landed next to the elm tree and has slowly been swallowed over the course of 250 years. The next theory is that the military personnel who moved into the building in 1811 placed it there to guard the edge of the house. The third, and probably the most boring story, is that taxi drivers put it there in the early 1900s for similar purposes-possibly welding a metal rod to it that sticks into the ground. Whether or not it's a glorified wheel-guard, it remains a tangible symbol of one of the most important events in the history of the country, and an object that carries the memory of those who partied away in the house beside while New France crumbled.
The Maison Pean was burned down in a fire in 1791. The building there now was constructed in 1811, and ever since then has been owned by the Department of National Defence (a glorious bit of irony for a spot that was the nucleus of the corruption at the heart of the fall of a 'nation'-New France). Today it houses the families of those serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. A bit of a happy twist to the tale.
The fortress at Louisbourg-and most of the East Coast-was lost to Britain after a 47 day siege, which ended on June 26th. Intendant Bigot was applauded by French authorities for agreeing to capitulate and cede the fortress to the British. He also made small fortune from selling everything in the fortress' storehouse to the British army.
Rue Saint Louis is a veritable walk down memory lane in terms of Canadian history. If Canadian identity were a street-this would be it. A couple of the many, many notable spots on along the road: #85 was the home of Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier, the writer of the French lyrics of 'O Canada' (he stars in our first episode), and #47 is where the house General Montcalm died in used to be. He was taken there after being shot in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
Also, with a name like 'Plains of Abraham' you might assume it was called that as a reference to something biblical...it wasn't, it was just some guy named Abraham's farm before it was the most iconic battlefield in the country.
Disclaimer: The Porte St. Louis wasn't around when the Siege of Quebec took place. The stone walls of Québec did exist in the same general area. We specifically aimed to use the iconic gate to represent the walls that have since been rebuilt or destroyed.

[@GhislainBlais]

I live in Quebec City. The tree was cut down in 2021, it was sick. The ball was not in fact a cannonball, but an object placed on the corner of the street to prevent carts from hitting the side of the house. There were some in several places, but they have been removed. Our knowledge of history is evolving.

[@martinlacouline2049]

ah non, t'es pas sérieux... je vis à Québec moi aussi je voulais aller voir ça...

[@martinemjt]

i don t think the tree was 200+ yrs old.

[@THE_MOONMAN]

Why did they cut it down!? That tree has seen more of Canadian history than any of us can ever hope to! Truly unfortunate. Old trees getting cut down always bums me out

[@supersoul4541]

Tree has been cut down and cannonball removed. It turned out that the ball wasn’t part of a battle but put there by the homeowner to prevent carriages from cutting the corner

[@ivandinsmore6217]

This man is a great storyteller.

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

You guys have done such a great job with these! If only I had these 40 years ago when I was in public school...

[@markdemell3717]

I did not get a like ,ugh.

[@vents12]

Incredible video, i am from Quebec city and i did not know of that story. Looking forward to more videos

[@Canadiana]

It didn't jump out at us either. We only stumbled across it after looking into the building next to the cannonball-then we were shocked we hadn't heard it before.

[@pinkcyclop]

I just discovered your channel after recommendations from KZbin. Excellent research, storytelling and video production. I will be binging more historical events and people you've covered.

[@JasonKucherawy]

Excellent video and story! That's only one version of how the bomb got to where it was though... Another possible explanation was it was placed there in the 19th century by British army surveyors along with many others as stationary markers to measure distance between points so they could draw accurate maps of the city. It was simply left beside a tree that continued to grow, while the others were collected when the surveying was complete. It's a pretty boring story. Another one I heard recently which is even more mundane is the bomb is attached to a metal rod and anchored in place in the ground as a chasse-roue or wheel guard that kept horse-drawn wagons far enough from the corner of the house when turning that they wouldn't clip the stone wall as it rounded the corner. However, that doesn't make for as good a tale. When leading tours of Quebec City I told the different versions I know, but conclude by saying that to the people of Quebec the cannonball (or bomb) represents the past battles and the tree represents the growing history and the population of Quebec City which has enveloped and embraced that part of the past, becoming an integral part of what makes the city what it is today. :-)

[@Canadiana]

We actually went into writing the episode knowing this and struggled with how to deal with the fact there are multiple theories-mentioning all three theories was important, but would have disrupted the episode to a degree that didn't make it worth it to digress on camera. We decided, based on the bomb's symbolism (which you allude to) and on the episode's narrative as a whole, that going with the "most popular" story behind its location was the most appropriate. If you look at the description beneath the video you will see we mentioned all three theories and gave an explanation for why we chose to go with the most popular explanation. Our explanation centres around the idea that the bomb's happenstance landing isn't the most important aspect of its presence-its memory-vault-like symbolism is more important. If viewers see this comment: please read the descriptions for extra tidbits and clarifications because, since KZbin removed annotations, it's the only way to correct errors or include background information without disrupting the episodes after we've shot them. At the end of the day, we never found a 'smoking gun' that said-matter of fact-one theory trumped the others. We heard mention of a photo from the early 1900s, but couldn't find it. From what we could find (including literature citing leading historians on the subject) the two other 'boring' theories seem like rational and respectable cases against serendipity: "it seems so unrealistic that the bomb has never moved for 250 years, so what can we theorize that might make it seem more logical?" However, if we ever find (or if you happen to have) articles/literature/citations that speak to blatant evidence backing any of the theories, we will gladly put it in the description. We were not aiming to misdirect or falsely encourage an urban myth, we just never found anything that put it in any more question than the other two theories. We were hoping that saying "at least, the most popular theory" in the episode would put enough doubt in the viewers' minds to look elsewhere or in our description for explanation. We thank you for going into depth in the comment as well-we couldn't find anything that specific in regards to the military theory. In our research, we dove into the biology of elm trees as well. Most certainly the tree seeded and grew after the bomb ended up where it was, or it would already be consumed. But that doesn't really matter in terms of the bomb's resting place on any timeline.

[@Canadiana]

By the way, the symbolism of the tree as you describe it is a beautiful metaphor we wished we had thought of. Tour guides are so awesome.

[@dosmundos3830]

regardless of how it got to where it is now, i'm astonished that a bomb was allowed to lay on the ground long enough for an elm to encase it in the first place lol. nice video, thanks :)

[@Buddhiman]

Your videos are better than any movie, video editing, your speaking style is great, I get inspiration from watching your videos and trying to make history in our area like you, I live in Kolkata, India, I will definitely meet you if I ever go to Canada.

[@qcpresto]

Merci, je connaissais pas du tout cette histoire.

[@Canadiana]

Il ne nous a pas sauté jusqu'à ce que nous regardions dans le bâtiment à côté du boulet de canon nous-mêmes!

[@9grand]

Désolé , mais je n`ai pas compris? Voulez -vous dire ' sauté aux yeux'??

[@Canadiana]

Désolé, notre français a besoin d'amélioration! Nous n'avons pas trouvé l'histoire jusqu'à ce que nous avons fait des recherches sur la maison à côté du boulet de canon.

[@9grand]

Canadiana . Merci, on apprécie l'effort!

[@rejeangadbois3123]

moi non plus.

[@alainouellet7794]

Thank you so much for your videos on Canada. Incredibly well done. Santé!

[@marriedaprince1]

this was great- I love 18th century European history, but I have to say I never really explored Quebec history, although they are closely related! I am learning French, and became very interested, this was an enjoyable video- I can't wait to visit Quebec one day!

[@marriedaprince1]

@S M california :))

[@Canadiana]

​@ Kat We do too! One of the things that bothers us, as Canadians, is 18th Century history is rarely widely shared and, if it's covered, usually involves some dull, low-budget re-enactments. Quebec is incredible, it seems like every town has its own unique story, well worth a trip! As Ontarians ourselves, Quebec City is akin to taking a trip to Europe-even though it's historically the root of the country (since the colonists arrived). Thanks for watching and we will definitely cover more 18th Century Canadian history in the future!

[@ceces8947]

@@Canadiana Thanks for the video.. I’d heard that the loss of New France was a battle between European countries mentioned from my studies in my genealogy history family tree but I hadn’t heard about the tree bomb. Also happy that none of that trios names exist in my tree. Gotta wonder about the goings on in the background today. God bless Canada today.

[@cheaze69]

Quebec is beautiful!!

[@therealmccoy5433]

This guy needs his own show on CBC.👍🏻 Well done !

[@Canadiana]

They've turned us down...twice! But it's okay, we are in the midst of pitching for other funding.

[@sabrinadee5344]

We were just there 2 days ago and we even got the picture of that tree. I didn’t know about that story. Thank you for sharing!

[@DragAmiot]

What a nice find. I didn't know that story. Really Interesting! Keep up the good work!

[@rorymacintosh6691]

Wonderful story. Many thanks!

[@SyChO4Life]

Great stuff, very interesting and great production value.

[@Canadiana]

Thanks very much, we hope to get better with each episode. The animations are tough!

[@markdemell3717]

I can't place the narrators accent? East coast?

[@veroosh]

Are you working through a grant? I think Canada would sponsor your channel take care!

[@NOVAsteamed]

Great video, I like your cap by the way.

[@MatthewSmith-wv5fi]

I would really love to see a legitimately exciting telling of our history. Most attempts I've seen look more like theater productions than films.

[@tracydee1857]

This is the best way to learn.

[@k.n.v.b1113]

Simply amazing !!!

[@markdemell3717]

Some of those names ,,Bigot ,I almost spit out my drink. I am subscribing,there is so little Canadian history out there .

[@sibellegrise7036]

I'm a direct descendant of the supply-house keeper under Péan at Fort-St-Louis de Chambly, and who was indicted in L'Affaire du Canada.

[@azib958]

Please keep this up!

[@Canadiana]

We're trying! Thanks!

[@TitoM72]

Wonderful story, I was in Quebec city years ago and have seen that tree and cannon ball.

[@georgetherat3345]

I absolutely love your channel @

[@ShafterRod]

Awesome job guys!

[@Canadiana]

Thanks!

[@danq.5140]

I've been to Quebec City many times and have never heard this story. Thanks.

[@PhilipPwnz]

Excellent!

[@elovingrosepsychic6771]

I love the pictures of Pean & Bigot!! Brilliant...

[@sharonsampson4380]

Fascinating!!!

[@rosemaryflynn5289]

Fantastic and informative videos

[@derek8c829]

just wanna say i think your videos are great! i would love to see a video about settling the west. Particulary the early days in Alberta

[@Canadiana]

We have tons of episode ideas lined up for Alberta! Just need the funding to get out there. Thanks for watching!

[@bobolpatrick3789]

très intéressant merci !

[@andyball2629]

Cool story!

[@jfnoevil]

The city of Québec got the famous British cannonball removed has the three was put down because of sickness and the security of the people of Québec. No more cannonball on la rue Saint-Louis.

[@brad450]

And now the tree is gone 😥

[@pixelsocket]

Wait really? I would have thought it was going to be preserved

[@jackrabbit5047]

These are a lot of fun

[@rondavis459]

been there several times, knew the story but didn't know about the bomb tree. would have liked to have seen that

[@9grand]

The tree is no more !

[@DiscoverMontréal]

These fucking videos are incredible

[@geoffreylee5199]

Louisbourg was massive in size maybe 10% has been rebuilt.

[@Wild-Dad]

If I am ever in Quebec, I’ll have to check out the cannon ball!

[@christofat2704]

I saw it , easy to find

[@Canadiana]

The whole of Rue St. Louis is a treasure trove of historical artefacts! You'll surely be able to spot the tree if you go!

[@Sophiasisi]

They took it down because the tree was threatening to fall

[@Wild-Dad]

@@Sophiasisi - that is too bad. Oh well, lots of other sights to see in the City anyways.

[@galrhum1]

Je suis de Québec et le boulet dans l'arbre ne date pas de la bataille de 1759. C'est une légende. Il a une chaine et a été placé là pour attacher les chevaux. L'arbre a poussé et l'a englouti. Il a été retiré depuis (voir autres commentaires).

[@waynemullally6423]

France and Quebec were still operating under a fuedal system. When Quebec fell the aristocrats and their flunkies returned to France leaving the habitants to the British. Quebecers were then oppressed by the Roman Catholic church until the quiet revolution or the sixties. In Canada, we now have the most enlightened French people in the world. Take note

[@kenster8270]

5:49 Wait, so if this guy was exiled to Switzerland, I'd argue that that wasn't such a terrible punishment. 😏

[@FOR_THE_Pascal.]

Wow! Osti d'corruption

[@zachlightcap2179]

Big O tires. A connection?

[@shakeandbake7324]

I'm a direct descendant of Louis Hebert

[@ScrapKing73]

It’s actually a “love V”. A triangle has three sides, not two. It would only have been a love triangle if one of the two guys was into the other as well. Which, for all I know they were, but the story doesn’t assert that. :-)

[@nozecone]

That's not the common meaning of the term "love triangle".

[@9grand]

It is real Péan , the clothes ( late 18 th century)do not seem to be accurate .

[@Overlord24]

Bon!! Perdu d'avance !!! So Montcalm was not the main actor in the loss of Québec.

[@Willsmith547]

The French was outnumbered by almost the double

[@benfitz7898]

There are many inaccuracies and errors in the video. Many facts come from gossip or popular stories. starting with the fortifications: the current form was designed by the British several decades after these events. You should watch your video again and check your facts!

[@russelletfilstaximetre233]

effectivement les murs comme on les connaît date du 19ieme siècle, les murs étaient en bois

[@karenpeck8525]