Chateau St. Louis facts for kids

The Chateau St. Louis (pronounced "Shah-toh San Loo-ee") was a very important building in Quebec City, Canada. For many years, it was the official home for the leaders of the area. First, it was where the French Governor of New France lived. Later, when the British took over, it became the home for their governors and other important leaders. These leaders included the Governor of Quebec, the Governor-General of British North America, and the Lieutenant-Governor of Lower Canada.

Today, the place where the Chateau St. Louis once stood is a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a special place recognized for its history.

The First Chateau

The very first Chateau St. Louis was built in 1648. It was put up under the guidance of Governor Charles Huault de Montmagny. However, after about 30 years, by the 1680s, the building was starting to fall apart. It needed a lot of repairs.

The Second Chateau

This picture shows the "Castle of St. Lewis" before it was destroyed by fire.

Because the first chateau was in bad shape, a new one was started in 1694. This new building was built on the same spot. Governor General Louis de Buade de Frontenac was in charge of this project. He even died there in 1698.

More parts were added to the chateau between 1719 and 1723. A new section and two new wings were built by Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry, who was a military engineer.

Damage and Rebuilding

The building was badly damaged in 1759 during the Siege of Quebec. This was a big battle where the British took control of Quebec. After the battle, the chateau became a British property.

Over the next 40 years, the house was slowly rebuilt in different sections. During this time, the governors often split their time between the Chateau St. Louis and another new building. This other building was called the New Chateau or Chateau Haldimand, named after Governor Frederick Haldimand.

Destruction and Legacy

Sadly, the Chateau St. Louis was completely destroyed by a fire in January 1834. After the fire, the site was replaced by a series of terraces, which are flat, raised areas.

The place where the New Chateau once stood is now home to the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel. This hotel is named after Governor Frontenac, who started the second Chateau St. Louis.

During the 1830s, the governor and his family also used other homes. They had a summer home in Sorel and also used the Chateau de Ramezay in Montreal.

Images for kids

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  Chateau St. Louis

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  Ruins at the former site

See also

In Spanish: Castillo Saint-Louis para niños