Abraham, Plains of

Plateau near Québec, Canada, where the British commander Wolfe defeated the French under Montcalm, on 13 September 1759, during the French and Indian War (1756-63). The outcome of the battle established British supremacy in Canada.

The British despatched 9,000 troops under Wolfe to capture Québec from the French June 1759. They sailed in a fleet up the St Lawrence River, anchored off the Isle d'Orléans 26 June, and set up a camp on the Montmorenci River, with little opposition from the French.

For some months Wolfe did little but patrol the area, until 3 September when the British moved to the south side of the St Lawrence, and mounted a feigned attack below the city 12 September.

While this was in progress, Wolfe secretly took 4,000 troops up the river in boats. They returned after nightfall and landed at a point Wolfe had previously selected, about 2.5 km/1.5 mi above the city. In the early morning of the 13th, the troops made their way up a narrow path to the Heights of Abraham, above the river. The French responded by taking up their battle order on the Heights and the battle began. The British musketry soon broke the French line and they fled into the city, followed by the British, though they were prevented from entering by the French garrison's artillery. Both Wolfe and Montcalm were killed in the battle, but the British force remained in position on the Heights and Québec surrendered 17 September.