Queen Victoria chooses Ottawa as the capital of Canada (1857–1865)

Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada on 31 December 1857. This choice resolved a contentious legislative debate involving over 200 votes. Although the Parliament ratified the decision in 1859, Quebec City served as the interim capital until 1865.

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Background and detail

Background. The selection of Ottawa as a capital city predates the Confederation of Canada. The choice was contentious, with the Parliament of the United Province of Canada holding more than 200 votes over several decades to attempt to settle on a legislative solution to the location of its capital. Logistical difficulties made previous arrangements unpopular, leading to an 1856 vote for the lower house to relocate permanently to Quebec City.

Royal Decision. The Queen sent a letter to colonial authorities selecting Ottawa as the capital, effective 31 December 1857. This decision followed years of legislative uncertainty and logistical challenges. The Parliament ratified the Queen's choice in 1859, with Quebec serving as interim capital from 1859 to 1865.

Ottawa Context. Ottawa was founded in 1826 as "Bytown", incorporated in 1850, and renamed "Ottawa" in 1855. The city name was chosen in reference to the Ottawa River, whose name is derived from the Algonquin adawe, meaning "to trade". Bytown obtained city status in 1855, establishing the urban foundation for the capital selection.

Sources

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