Between 1995 and 2000, air hammers, trowels and mechanical shovels uncovered a hidden world of earth, stones, and piles tucked under aged ramparts, all while bringing to light old, weathered and broken artifacts dormant in the innermost recesses of an abandoned court! Archaeologists worked and watched as these objects were discovered and unearthed, revealing stories of life in the New Barracks sector at the northern end of Artillery Park. This site, occupied for over 250 years, is now the subject of major restoration work by Parks Canada. Its history includes that of the earliest fortifications in Quebec, a military barracks, and the Arsenal's industrial complex.

This brochure represents the highlights of five years of intense archaeological research into the history of this strategic and versatile site.