The Cities of New France

Until 1760, the main cities in New France were Quebec, Montreal and Trois-Rivières. Roughly one in four people in New France lived in one of these three cities in the early 18^th century. The remainder settled along on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, in accordance with the French seigneurial system. Although the majority of the population lived in the countryside, most of the decisions about the colony were made in the cities.

Colony decisions were made in the cities, so that is where the administration buildings as well as the Intendant and the Governor General’s residences were located. The cities were also where justice was served and punishments were carried out.

Churches, schools and hospitals were built in the cities, as well as cabarets which were popular places for city dwellers who were looking for entertainment such as billiards or skittles (bowling).

Cities were not just used for administrative purposes, they were also centres of business and crafts for the colony. The market square was the heart of the city. Craftspeople and merchants sold their products there every Friday, and on Tuesday in Quebec City. Town criers made official announcements from the Governor and the Intendant in the market square, and prison sentencing was carried out there.