I live in Quebec City. The tree was cut down in 2021, it was sick. The ball was not in fact a cannonball, but an object placed on the corner of the street to prevent carts from hitting the side of the house. There were some in several places, but they have been removed. Our knowledge of history is evolving.
Why did they cut it down!? That tree has seen more of Canadian history than any of us can ever hope to! Truly unfortunate. Old trees getting cut down always bums me out
Tree has been cut down and cannonball removed. It turned out that the ball wasn’t part of a battle but put there by the homeowner to prevent carriages from cutting the corner
I just discovered your channel after recommendations from TH-cam. Excellent research, storytelling and video production. I will be binging more historical events and people you've covered.
It didn't jump out at us either. We only stumbled across it after looking into the building next to the cannonball-then we were shocked we hadn't heard it before.
Your videos are better than any movie, video editing, your speaking style is great, I get inspiration from watching your videos and trying to make history in our area like you, I live in Kolkata, India, I will definitely meet you if I ever go to Canada.
Désolé, notre français a besoin d'amélioration! Nous n'avons pas trouvé l'histoire jusqu'à ce que nous avons fait des recherches sur la maison à côté du boulet de canon.
Excellent video and story! That's only one version of how the bomb got to where it was though... Another possible explanation was it was placed there in the 19th century by British army surveyors along with many others as stationary markers to measure distance between points so they could draw accurate maps of the city. It was simply left beside a tree that continued to grow, while the others were collected when the surveying was complete. It's a pretty boring story. Another one I heard recently which is even more mundane is the bomb is attached to a metal rod and anchored in place in the ground as a chasse-roue or wheel guard that kept horse-drawn wagons far enough from the corner of the house when turning that they wouldn't clip the stone wall as it rounded the corner. However, that doesn't make for as good a tale. When leading tours of Quebec City I told the different versions I know, but conclude by saying that to the people of Quebec the cannonball (or bomb) represents the past battles and the tree represents the growing history and the population of Quebec City which has enveloped and embraced that part of the past, becoming an integral part of what makes the city what it is today. :-)
We actually went into writing the episode knowing this and struggled with how to deal with the fact there are multiple theories-mentioning all three theories was important, but would have disrupted the episode to a degree that didn't make it worth it to digress on camera. We decided, based on the bomb's symbolism (which you allude to) and on the episode's narrative as a whole, that going with the "most popular" story behind its location was the most appropriate. If you look at the description beneath the video you will see we mentioned all three theories and gave an explanation for why we chose to go with the most popular explanation. Our explanation centres around the idea that the bomb's happenstance landing isn't the most important aspect of its presence-its memory-vault-like symbolism is more important. If viewers see this comment: please read the descriptions for extra tidbits and clarifications because, since TH-cam removed annotations, it's the only way to correct errors or include background information without disrupting the episodes after we've shot them. At the end of the day, we never found a 'smoking gun' that said-matter of fact-one theory trumped the others. We heard mention of a photo from the early 1900s, but couldn't find it. From what we could find (including literature citing leading historians on the subject) the two other 'boring' theories seem like rational and respectable cases against serendipity: "it seems so unrealistic that the bomb has never moved for 250 years, so what can we theorize that might make it seem more logical?" However, if we ever find (or if you happen to have) articles/literature/citations that speak to blatant evidence backing any of the theories, we will gladly put it in the description. We were not aiming to misdirect or falsely encourage an urban myth, we just never found anything that put it in any more question than the other two theories. We were hoping that saying "at least, the most popular theory" in the episode would put enough doubt in the viewers' minds to look elsewhere or in our description for explanation. We thank you for going into depth in the comment as well-we couldn't find anything that specific in regards to the military theory. In our research, we dove into the biology of elm trees as well. Most certainly the tree seeded and grew after the bomb ended up where it was, or it would already be consumed. But that doesn't really matter in terms of the bomb's resting place on any timeline.
regardless of how it got to where it is now, i'm astonished that a bomb was allowed to lay on the ground long enough for an elm to encase it in the first place lol. nice video, thanks :)
this was great- I love 18th century European history, but I have to say I never really explored Quebec history, although they are closely related! I am learning French, and became very interested, this was an enjoyable video- I can't wait to visit Quebec one day!
@ Kat We do too! One of the things that bothers us, as Canadians, is 18th Century history is rarely widely shared and, if it's covered, usually involves some dull, low-budget re-enactments. Quebec is incredible, it seems like every town has its own unique story, well worth a trip! As Ontarians ourselves, Quebec City is akin to taking a trip to Europe-even though it's historically the root of the country (since the colonists arrived). Thanks for watching and we will definitely cover more 18th Century Canadian history in the future!
@@Canadiana Thanks for the video.. I’d heard that the loss of New France was a battle between European countries mentioned from my studies in my genealogy history family tree but I hadn’t heard about the tree bomb. Also happy that none of that trios names exist in my tree. Gotta wonder about the goings on in the background today. God bless Canada today.
The city of Québec got the famous British cannonball removed has the three was put down because of sickness and the security of the people of Québec. No more cannonball on la rue Saint-Louis.
France and Quebec were still operating under a fuedal system. When Quebec fell the aristocrats and their flunkies returned to France leaving the habitants to the British. Quebecers were then oppressed by the Roman Catholic church until the quiet revolution or the sixties. In Canada, we now have the most enlightened French people in the world. Take note
Je suis de Québec et le boulet dans l'arbre ne date pas de la bataille de 1759. C'est une légende. Il a une chaine et a été placé là pour attacher les chevaux. L'arbre a poussé et l'a englouti. Il a été retiré depuis (voir autres commentaires).
It’s actually a “love V”. A triangle has three sides, not two. It would only have been a love triangle if one of the two guys was into the other as well. Which, for all I know they were, but the story doesn’t assert that. :-)
There are many inaccuracies and errors in the video. Many facts come from gossip or popular stories. starting with the fortifications: the current form was designed by the British several decades after these events. You should watch your video again and check your facts!
I live in Quebec City. The tree was cut down in 2021, it was sick. The ball was not in fact a cannonball, but an object placed on the corner of the street to prevent carts from hitting the side of the house. There were some in several places, but they have been removed. Our knowledge of history is evolving.
ah non, t'es pas sérieux... je vis à Québec moi aussi je voulais aller voir ça...
i don t think the tree was 200+ yrs old.
Why did they cut it down!? That tree has seen more of Canadian history than any of us can ever hope to! Truly unfortunate. Old trees getting cut down always bums me out
If it was an elm it couldn't be saved.
This man is a great storyteller.
Tree has been cut down and cannonball removed. It turned out that the ball wasn’t part of a battle but put there by the homeowner to prevent carriages from cutting the corner
You guys have done such a great job with these! If only I had these 40 years ago when I was in public school...
I did not get a like ,ugh.
I just discovered your channel after recommendations from TH-cam. Excellent research, storytelling and video production. I will be binging more historical events and people you've covered.
Thank you so much for your videos on Canada. Incredibly well done. Santé!
Incredible video, i am from Quebec city and i did not know of that story. Looking forward to more videos
It didn't jump out at us either. We only stumbled across it after looking into the building next to the cannonball-then we were shocked we hadn't heard it before.
Your videos are better than any movie, video editing, your speaking style is great, I get inspiration from watching your videos and trying to make history in our area like you, I live in Kolkata, India, I will definitely meet you if I ever go to Canada.
Merci, je connaissais pas du tout cette histoire.
Il ne nous a pas sauté jusqu'à ce que nous regardions dans le bâtiment à côté du boulet de canon nous-mêmes!
Désolé , mais je n`ai pas compris? Voulez -vous dire ' sauté aux yeux'??
Désolé, notre français a besoin d'amélioration! Nous n'avons pas trouvé l'histoire jusqu'à ce que nous avons fait des recherches sur la maison à côté du boulet de canon.
Canadiana . Merci, on apprécie l'effort!
moi non plus.
Excellent video and story! That's only one version of how the bomb got to where it was though...
Another possible explanation was it was placed there in the 19th century by British army surveyors along with many others as stationary markers to measure distance between points so they could draw accurate maps of the city. It was simply left beside a tree that continued to grow, while the others were collected when the surveying was complete. It's a pretty boring story.
Another one I heard recently which is even more mundane is the bomb is attached to a metal rod and anchored in place in the ground as a chasse-roue or wheel guard that kept horse-drawn wagons far enough from the corner of the house when turning that they wouldn't clip the stone wall as it rounded the corner. However, that doesn't make for as good a tale.
When leading tours of Quebec City I told the different versions I know, but conclude by saying that to the people of Quebec the cannonball (or bomb) represents the past battles and the tree represents the growing history and the population of Quebec City which has enveloped and embraced that part of the past, becoming an integral part of what makes the city what it is today. :-)
We actually went into writing the episode knowing this and struggled with how to deal with the fact there are multiple theories-mentioning all three theories was important, but would have disrupted the episode to a degree that didn't make it worth it to digress on camera.
We decided, based on the bomb's symbolism (which you allude to) and on the episode's narrative as a whole, that going with the "most popular" story behind its location was the most appropriate. If you look at the description beneath the video you will see we mentioned all three theories and gave an explanation for why we chose to go with the most popular explanation. Our explanation centres around the idea that the bomb's happenstance landing isn't the most important aspect of its presence-its memory-vault-like symbolism is more important.
If viewers see this comment: please read the descriptions for extra tidbits and clarifications because, since TH-cam removed annotations, it's the only way to correct errors or include background information without disrupting the episodes after we've shot them.
At the end of the day, we never found a 'smoking gun' that said-matter of fact-one theory trumped the others. We heard mention of a photo from the early 1900s, but couldn't find it. From what we could find (including literature citing leading historians on the subject) the two other 'boring' theories seem like rational and respectable cases against serendipity: "it seems so unrealistic that the bomb has never moved for 250 years, so what can we theorize that might make it seem more logical?"
However, if we ever find (or if you happen to have) articles/literature/citations that speak to blatant evidence backing any of the theories, we will gladly put it in the description. We were not aiming to misdirect or falsely encourage an urban myth, we just never found anything that put it in any more question than the other two theories. We were hoping that saying "at least, the most popular theory" in the episode would put enough doubt in the viewers' minds to look elsewhere or in our description for explanation.
We thank you for going into depth in the comment as well-we couldn't find anything that specific in regards to the military theory.
In our research, we dove into the biology of elm trees as well. Most certainly the tree seeded and grew after the bomb ended up where it was, or it would already be consumed. But that doesn't really matter in terms of the bomb's resting place on any timeline.
By the way, the symbolism of the tree as you describe it is a beautiful metaphor we wished we had thought of. Tour guides are so awesome.
regardless of how it got to where it is now, i'm astonished that a bomb was allowed to lay on the ground long enough for an elm to encase it in the first place lol. nice video, thanks :)
This guy needs his own show on CBC.👍🏻
Well done !
They've turned us down...twice! But it's okay, we are in the midst of pitching for other funding.
I love Quebec City, my favourite city in all of Canada! So much history!
Wonderful story. Many thanks!
We were just there 2 days ago and we even got the picture of that tree. I didn’t know about that story. Thank you for sharing!
Are you working through a grant? I think Canada would sponsor your channel take care!
this was great- I love 18th century European history, but I have to say I never really explored Quebec history, although they are closely related! I am learning French, and became very interested, this was an enjoyable video- I can't wait to visit Quebec one day!
@S M california :))
@ Kat We do too! One of the things that bothers us, as Canadians, is 18th Century history is rarely widely shared and, if it's covered, usually involves some dull, low-budget re-enactments. Quebec is incredible, it seems like every town has its own unique story, well worth a trip! As Ontarians ourselves, Quebec City is akin to taking a trip to Europe-even though it's historically the root of the country (since the colonists arrived). Thanks for watching and we will definitely cover more 18th Century Canadian history in the future!
@@Canadiana Thanks for the video.. I’d heard that the loss of New France was a battle between European countries mentioned from my studies in my genealogy history family tree but I hadn’t heard about the tree bomb. Also happy that none of that trios names exist in my tree. Gotta wonder about the goings on in the background today. God bless Canada today.
Quebec is beautiful!!
What a nice find. I didn't know that story. Really Interesting! Keep up the good work!
Great stuff, very interesting and great production value.
Thanks very much, we hope to get better with each episode. The animations are tough!
I can't place the narrators accent? East coast?
I'm a direct descendant of the supply-house keeper under Péan at Fort-St-Louis de Chambly, and who was indicted in L'Affaire du Canada.
I've been to Quebec City many times and have never heard this story. Thanks.
Great video, I like your cap by the way.
I would really love to see a legitimately exciting telling of our history. Most attempts I've seen look more like theater productions than films.
Wonderful story, I was in Quebec city years ago and have seen that tree and cannon ball.
This is the best way to learn.
Awesome job guys!
Thanks!
I absolutely love your channel @
Please keep this up!
We're trying! Thanks!
I love the pictures of Pean & Bigot!! Brilliant...
Some of those names ,,Bigot ,I almost spit out my drink. I am subscribing,there is so little Canadian history out there .
Simply amazing !!!
Fantastic and informative videos
The city of Québec got the famous British cannonball removed has the three was put down because of sickness and the security of the people of Québec. No more cannonball on la rue Saint-Louis.
just wanna say i think your videos are great! i would love to see a video about settling the west. Particulary the early days in Alberta
We have tons of episode ideas lined up for Alberta! Just need the funding to get out there. Thanks for watching!
France and Quebec were still operating under a fuedal system. When Quebec fell the aristocrats and their flunkies returned to France leaving the habitants to the British. Quebecers were then oppressed by the Roman Catholic church until the quiet revolution or the sixties. In Canada, we now have the most enlightened French people in the world. Take note
your nonsense is not worth commenting. take note
@@magdaw3123 thhhpp
Fascinating!!!
Excellent!
And now the tree is gone 😥
Wait really? I would have thought it was going to be preserved
Cool story!
been there several times, knew the story but didn't know about the bomb tree. would have liked to have seen that
The tree is no more !
très intéressant merci !
Louisbourg was massive in size maybe 10% has been rebuilt.
5:49 Wait, so if this guy was exiled to Switzerland, I'd argue that that wasn't such a terrible punishment. 😏
These are a lot of fun
If I am ever in Quebec, I’ll have to check out the cannon ball!
I saw it , easy to find
The whole of Rue St. Louis is a treasure trove of historical artefacts! You'll surely be able to spot the tree if you go!
They took it down because the tree was threatening to fall
@@Sophiasisi - that is too bad. Oh well, lots of other sights to see in the City anyways.
Je suis de Québec et le boulet dans l'arbre ne date pas de la bataille de 1759. C'est une légende. Il a une chaine et a été placé là pour attacher les chevaux. L'arbre a poussé et l'a englouti. Il a été retiré depuis (voir autres commentaires).
Big O tires. A connection?
These fucking videos are incredible
It’s actually a “love V”. A triangle has three sides, not two. It would only have been a love triangle if one of the two guys was into the other as well. Which, for all I know they were, but the story doesn’t assert that. :-)
That's not the common meaning of the term "love triangle".
Wow! Osti d'corruption
Hey ça va faire le sacrage la. Cruchon de boboche.
I'm a direct descendant of Louis Hebert
There are many inaccuracies and errors in the video. Many facts come from gossip or popular stories. starting with the fortifications: the current form was designed by the British several decades after these events. You should watch your video again and check your facts!
effectivement les murs comme on les connaît date du 19ieme siècle, les murs étaient en bois
It is real Péan , the clothes ( late 18 th century)do not seem to be accurate .
Bon!! Perdu d'avance !!! So Montcalm was not the main actor in the loss of Québec.
The French was outnumbered by almost the double