Colonne de la liberté (Quebec) facts for kids
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The Column of Liberty (or Colonne de la liberté in French) was an important symbol for a group called the Patriote movement. It was built in a place called Saint-Charles, in what was then Lower Canada (now Quebec), on October 23, 1837. This column shared its name with another famous "Column of Liberty" from the French Revolution.
Many years later, in 1982, a new version of the column was put up. This happened thanks to a group called the Comité des Patriotes and the Quebec Ministry of Culture. This new column stands today in the same spot where the original one was believed to be.
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What Was the Column of Liberty?
The original Column of Liberty was a tall structure. It was a powerful symbol for people who wanted more freedom. These people were part of the Patriote movement. They lived in Lower Canada during the 1830s.
The column was built to represent their desire for change. It showed their hope for a better future. It was a sign of their fight for more rights.
The Assembly of the Six Counties
On October 23 and 24, 1837, something very important happened. Many people from Lower Canada gathered around the column. This big meeting was called the Assembly of the Six Counties. It was a time for people to come together. They discussed their ideas and plans.
The column itself had a special message carved into it. It said: "To Papineau his thankful compatriots." This message was for Louis-Joseph Papineau. He was a very important leader of the Patriote movement. It showed how much people respected him.
Why Was the Column Important?
The Column of Liberty was more than just a structure. It was a meeting point for people. It was a place where they could feel strong together. It showed their shared goals and dreams.
It stood for freedom and the rights of the people. It was a visible sign of their movement. This made it a target for those who opposed them.
The Column During the Rebellion
Soon after the column was built, a conflict began. This was known as the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837. It was a fight between the Patriotes and the British authorities.
On November 30, 1837, a battle took place. It was called the Battle of Saint-Charles. British soldiers won this battle. After their victory, they found the column.
What Happened to the Original Column?
After the battle, two British colonels, George Augustus Wetherall and Bartholomew Gugy, led their troops. They dug up the Column of Liberty. They took it as a war trophy. A war trophy is something taken from an enemy after a victory.
The column was then taken to Montreal. Many prisoners were also taken there. The destruction of the column was a symbolic act. It showed the British victory over the Patriote movement.
The Replica Column Today
Even though the original column was destroyed, its memory lived on. In 1982, a new Column of Liberty was built. It stands in the same area today.
This replica reminds people of the past. It honors the Patriote movement. It helps people remember the fight for freedom in Quebec's history. It is a symbol of heritage and remembrance.
