St. Matthew's Cemetery, Quebec City

Saint Matthew's Cemetery has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 18th century. It was founded in 1772, shortly after the British conquest of Quebec City, as a burial ground for the city's English-speaking Protestant community. At that time, Quebec City was predominantly Catholic, and the English-speaking community was small but growing.

The cemetery is located on a hill overlooking the Saint Lawrence River and the Lower Town of Quebec City, and it was originally known as the "Protestant Burying Ground." The first burials in the cemetery were simple affairs, with graves marked by wooden crosses or rough stones. Over time, as the English-speaking community in Quebec City grew, the cemetery expanded, and more elaborate tombstones and monuments were erected.

Saint Matthew's Cemetery became the final resting place for many prominent figures in Quebec City's history, including politicians, military leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Notable individuals buried in the cemetery include Lieutenant Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal, and Robert Sellar, a journalist and historian who chronicled the early history of Quebec.

Over the years, the cemetery has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its rich heritage. In 1977, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its importance to the country's cultural and historical landscape. Today, Saint Matthew's Cemetery remains an important landmark in Quebec City and a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.