Battle of the Plains of Abraham
On the night of 12–13 September 1759, General James Wolfe's British forces — having spent most of the summer attempting unsuccessfully to force a crossing of the St. Lawrence below Quebec — scaled a steep path at the Anse au Foulon that a French deserter had indicated was lightly guarded. By dawn, 4,800 British troops were drawn up on the Plains of Abraham, a plateau immediately west of the fortress city. The Marquis de Montcalm, unwilling to wait under the British guns while reinforcements arrived from outlying French forces, marched his 3,500 regulars and militia out of Quebec to attack. The French advanced in column, partially disordered by militia fire from the flanks; Wolfe's line held its fire until the French were within 40 yards, then delivered a simultaneous volley that shattered the formation. The battle lasted roughly fifteen minutes; the French were driven from the field. Both Wolfe and Montcalm were mortally wounded during the engagement. Quebec surrendered four days later; Montreal fell in September 1760, ending organised French resistance in Canada.
- Year: 1759 CE
- Category: Military
