Created by the city of Montreal, Nelson’s Column is a central feature of Place Jacques-Cartier but has also become one of the most notable monuments in the city and across the province of Quebec as well as the nation of Canada. By honoring the legacy of one of the greatest military strategists of all time, the monument has itself become a piece of history that has compelled engagement as the city around it evolved, showcasing what it can mean for a landmark to connect audiences and eras.
Montreal’s oldest monument
Erected in 1809 in memory of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson’s Column was inspired by Trajan’s Column. It features bas-relief medallions and engraved inscriptions that celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson. It is topped by a statue of Nelson himself, depicting him in his admiral’s uniform holding a spyglass in his left hand. The sleeve of his jacket is folded over his chest, depicting his missing right arm, which he lost in the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Anchoring what was originally known as New Market Place, the square was renamed in honor of Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for France in 1535. Considered to be the central hub of Montreal, Nelson’s Column would anchor the space and community in a way that allowed businesses to thrive and audiences to enjoy the Parisian-style terraces that define the area. It became one of the most important landmarks in the city as the shops, stores and area changed and developed over the decades.
Recognized as Montreal’s oldest monument as well as the oldest war monument in Canada, Nelson’s Column has become a means of identity for the neighborhood and all of Montreal, showcasing the connection it has made with audiences across the eras.
Connecting with history to enable engagement
Opinions about Admiral Nelson continue to define conversations across Montreal, showcasing what it can mean for a monument to connect with history in a way that compels engagement in the present. This connection to multiple eras of the city and country will further create interest in and around the area, providing value to the entire community in the present and future.
