{"id":5410,"date":"2025-02-26T11:48:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T15:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/?p=5410"},"modified":"2025-02-26T11:48:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T15:48:30","slug":"how-did-ottawa-become-the-capital-of-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/eternal\/how-did-ottawa-become-the-capital-of-canada","title":{"rendered":"How Did Ottawa Become the Capital of Canada?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ottawa is a city of culture, tolerance, and natural beauty. But do you know how and when Ottawa became the capital of Canada? <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/uk\/\">Ottawa Yes<\/a> will tell you more about this fascinating history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a15716bc23bb\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a15716bc23bb\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/eternal\/how-did-ottawa-become-the-capital-of-canada\/#The_History_of_Canadas_Previous_Capitals\" >The History of Canada\u2019s Previous Capitals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/eternal\/how-did-ottawa-become-the-capital-of-canada\/#The_Capital_Selection_Process\" >The Capital Selection Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/eternal\/how-did-ottawa-become-the-capital-of-canada\/#Folklore_How_Did_Queen_Victoria_Choose_Ottawa\" >Folklore: How Did Queen Victoria Choose Ottawa?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/eternal\/how-did-ottawa-become-the-capital-of-canada\/#The_Official_Designation\" >The Official Designation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_History_of_Canadas_Previous_Capitals\"><\/span>The History of Canada\u2019s Previous Capitals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is surprising to learn that Canada\u2019s capital changed six times. The decision always sparked debates, with strong contenders such as Toronto, Quebec City, and Kingston. Ottawa, which was one of the last candidates, ultimately won the title of the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most significant events in this history took place in 1849, when Montreal served as the capital. However, due to violent protests, the status was transferred to Toronto. That same year, rebels burned down the Parliament building in Montreal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The timeline of Canada\u2019s capital changes is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1841\u20131844<\/strong> \u2013 Kingston was the capital of Canada.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1844\u20131849<\/strong> \u2013 Montreal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1849\u20131851<\/strong> \u2013 Toronto.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1851\u20131855<\/strong> \u2013 Quebec City.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1855\u20131859<\/strong> \u2013 Toronto once again became the capital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1859\u20131865<\/strong> \u2013 Quebec City reclaimed the title.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Since 1866<\/strong> \u2013 Ottawa has remained the capital of Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawayes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxdq0bomwiepmcgs72gl2wc8uyau4huyb9cnztri5jzfjo3qkq9hymact-cz82obh6ko2slptvhcme7z0t1aqhl0ftzvaghcairq4rkxwd7ydw5_5bhlcqlrbn0ggqeszejditd65gkeyrwqptj7mtey2m6h_xayg0wmm.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Capital_Selection_Process\"><\/span>The Capital Selection Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a capital was a complex process, as many factors had to be taken into account. Understanding this decision requires insight into Canada\u2019s colonial history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the mid-1500s, French explorer Jacques Cartier claimed these lands for the King of France, making Canada a French-controlled territory for over a century. However, after Britain\u2019s victory over France, Canada became a British colony known as <strong>\u201cThe Province of Quebec.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1857, several Canadian cities competed for the title of capital. The final decision, however, was left to Queen Victoria. She was petitioned at least three times before she ultimately selected a city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many were surprised by her choice, as Ottawa at the time was a small and newly incorporated town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Folklore_How_Did_Queen_Victoria_Choose_Ottawa\"><\/span>Folklore: How Did Queen Victoria Choose Ottawa?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several theories and legends explaining why the Queen made this decision:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A random selection<\/strong> \u2013 According to one story, Queen Victoria placed a pin on a map between Toronto and Montreal, and it landed on Ottawa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The scenic landscape<\/strong> \u2013 Another legend claims that she was enchanted by Ottawa\u2019s natural beauty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ottawa\u2019s economic and political prospects<\/strong> \u2013 The city was experiencing economic growth and was a key hub for railway transportation. In 1857, the Bytown and Prescott Railway was completed. Additionally, Ottawa had a long-established history of trade, benefiting from its proximity to major rivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Its location<\/strong> \u2013 Ottawa was positioned between Montreal and Toronto, along the Ontario-Quebec border.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security reasons<\/strong> \u2013 Ottawa was further from the American border, making it less vulnerable to attacks. This was a crucial factor, as the War of 1812 had demonstrated how exposed Canada\u2019s major cities were to American invasions. Some publications sarcastically noted that any invaders would get lost in Ottawa\u2019s dense forests before they could even find the city.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Not everyone agreed with Queen Victoria\u2019s decision. As a result, Toronto retained its status as the capital for two more years, while Quebec City held the title for another six.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawayes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfznd8wykj9i3zzpxqu-h1wyfd-zxf9sy4nfgtcihu8kvskxhni-xcmygkrzrlnm8d4v_4zr1l4xv3v82eqtqdxd640ivrcibjfzjecfz1xruetkawf-qx0mtgqpycsb6869su8hqkeyrwqptj7mtey2m6h_xayg0wmm.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Official_Designation\"><\/span>The Official Designation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa was <strong>officially declared the capital of Canada in 1866.<\/strong> Since then, it has been home to the House of Commons and the majority of federal political institutions. In the heart of the city lies <strong>Parliament Hill<\/strong>, the seat of Canada\u2019s government and one of Ottawa\u2019s top tourist attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth noting that <strong>Bytown was renamed Ottawa in 1855<\/strong>, when its population reached <strong>14,000 residents<\/strong>. The Parliament buildings, located on the western side of the canal, were inaugurated in 1865. Since <strong>1867<\/strong>, Ottawa has been the fourth-largest city in Canada.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ottawa is a city of culture, tolerance, and natural beauty. But do you know how and when Ottawa became the capital of Canada? Ottawa Yes will tell you more about this fascinating history. The History of Canada\u2019s Previous Capitals It is surprising to learn that Canada\u2019s capital changed six times. The decision always sparked debates, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":419,"featured_media":5419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[497],"tags":[2318,2317,2210,2322,2323,2321,2316,1968,2320,2319],"motype":[491],"moformat":[89],"moimportance":[100,101,104],"class_list":{"0":"post-5410","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-about-the-mayor","8":"tag-decisions-of-queen-victoria","9":"tag-history-of-canada","10":"tag-history-of-ottawa","11":"tag-home-of-the-parliament-of-canada","12":"tag-how-ottawa-became-the-capital-of-canada","13":"tag-how-queen-victoria-chose-ottawa","14":"tag-ottawa-the-capital-of-canada","15":"tag-parliament-hill","16":"tag-prospects-of-ottawa","17":"tag-solemn-appointment-of-ottawa","18":"motype-eternal","19":"moformat-vlasna","20":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","21":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","22":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5410"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5410\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5417,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5410\/revisions\/5417"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5410"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=5410"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=5410"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawayes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=5410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}