Quebec almost became the 14th state, but chose to stay loyal to the British Crown

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Montreal — On New Year’s Eve 250 years ago, Brig.-Gen. Richard Montgomery of the Continental Army, headquartered here in Montreal at the Château Ramezay, ordered a multi-pronged attack on Quebec City. The future existence of Canada hung in the balance; Quebec may have become the 14th state at the conclusion of the American Revolution.

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The events of 1775 were decisive for the future of Canada, an important factor in the Revolutionary War and a significant step in the history of religious liberty. While the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army was observed with a Soviet-style military parade in Washington, D.C., last summer, Canadians have neglected to recall our own role in the “semiquincentennial” — the official term, unlikely to catch on — events.

By the early 1770s, the British colonies in North America were growing restless. The American colonies were agitating for more local control and, perhaps, independence.

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