Do you know the Square Neptune? Its name was changed several times. It was located between the City Hall and the first Palais de Justice, where Place Vauquelin is today. Under the British domination the Jesuit’s building had been transformed into a prison with 50 cells in the underground. It was an unhealthy location. Criminals of all kinds were crammed there, murderers, thieving, men, women or prostitutes with their children. A single meal per day was served. The Champs-de-Mars was used for the hangings. In the 1803 fire, the prison was destroyed but not the underground cells. A new prison was built in Le Pied-du-Courant.
Finally a new Palace of Justice was built on the place. It does not exist anymore but the underground cells still remain. In 1858 the place became Square Neptune, with a fountain where throned a small statue of Neptune. In 1924, the Square received a new name Place de l’Hôtel because of the new construction of the City Hall. Finally, its actual name Place Vauquelin was given in 1930.
Finally a new Palace of Justice was built on the place. It does not exist anymore but the underground cells still remain. In 1858 the place became Square Neptune, with a fountain where throned a small statue of Neptune. In 1924, the Square received a new name Place de l’Hôtel because of the new construction of the City Hall. Finally, its actual name Place Vauquelin was given in 1930.
A beautiful monument took place sponsored by the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Captain Jean Vauquelin participated in the defense of the city of Quebec in 1759. The following year, he brought a fleet to Quebec to provide the French army with supplies. But a few days later, an English fleet arrived before the city. In attempting to draw away two English frigates, its Atalante frigate was stuck in Neuville. The two English ships shot around 800 cannonballs on the French ship. Injured, taken prisoner, he was released because of his courage. He then returned to France. The monument represents Vauquelin defending its frigate reduced to a state of wreckage.
Why has this location been chosen for this monument? It has been chosen because in front, on Jacques-Cartier Square, stands the Nelson column. Who was Nelson? He was the Admiral who defeated the Franco-Spanish fleet in Trafalgar, thus preventing Napoleon to attack England. Nelson died during battle. The French-Canadian elite therefore wanted to counterweight British dominance symbol. Two heroes are facing one another. Courage belongs to all nations; the two monuments seem to say.
