Archaeological excavations on the way to the future tramway

Preparatory work for the installation of the future Quebec Tramway brought to light the remains of a house from 19^E Century, and … of the old city tram.

The excavations took place in the Boulevard Rene-Lowesk Oyster and Avenue Belvadore area, which is of archaeological interest following a potential study conducted prior to site work.

“The remains have been found since the early days. They are a few decimeters deep on the right side of the roadway,” Quebec City said in a press release Tuesday.

Records show that it was the home of the famous and respected physician, surgeon Robert Henry Russell, who owned it in 1863. At the time, it was in the suburbs of Quebec.

Excavations are ongoing and will determine if the remains of the secondary buildings, the hangar and the stable are still there.

Crossbeams point to the railing of the old Quebec City Tramway, probably dating back to the early 20s^E Century, also discovered.

In 1910 and 1911, the Quebec County Railway To serve Montcom and Sillery, purchased land in the area for the installation of an electric tramway.

“It’s a beautiful symbolic discovery, because the route of the new tram goes exactly the same place a century later,” it emphasizes the city.

Keep in mind that the tram lines crossed the municipality from 1865 (before the advent of the automobile!) To 1948.