Vauquelin Monument

Cultural Origin of Subject: France

This monument, located in Vauquelin Square very nearly a part of St. Jacques Cartier Square, was erected in 1927 to honor French naval lieutenant, Jean Vauquelin. Vauquelin is viewed by many to be the last naval defender of New France.  The Vauquelin Monument is significant to French identity within Quebec and Franco-Anglo relations because it was constructed with the specific aim to represent the unity and harmony of French and British ideologies, two previously opposing cultures coming together to honor Vauquelin. Ultimately, the inauguration ceremony only further emphasized French nationality and glorified French military history. Furthermore, located in Jacques-Cartier Square, this monument directly “faces off” the pre-existing statue of British Admiral Nelson, the renowned rival Royal British Navy officer. This represents the continued, long struggle between the French and English to assert a presence in Montreal’s main public spaces.