1608 Quebec City

In 1608, Quebec City was founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, marking the beginning of France's permanent presence in North America. Located along the St. Lawrence River, it served as a strategic trading post and fur trading hub, facilitating alliances with Indigenous peoples. The city was initially a small settlement with wooden fortifications, playing a key role in France’s colonial expansion. Over time, Quebec City grew into a vital center of commerce, culture, and defense, shaping the development of what would become Canada. Its historic Old Quebec area still retains much of its early architecture, reflecting its colonial origins.