On 31 December 1857, Queen Victoria formally selected Ottawa as the capital of Canada, a decision born of its strategic location, perched along the Ottawa River, and its defensible position far from the US border.
Ottawa’s central placement between Montreal and Toronto further reflected its suitability as a unifying choice for the burgeoning Canadian Confederation.
This monumental decision not only marked a turning point in Canadian governance but also laid the groundwork for the city's transformation from a modest lumber town to a thriving hub of political and cultural significance.
