The Forts-de-Lévis were a series of fortifications built around Lévis, Quebec between 1865 and 1872 to help defend Quebec City from the threat of a land invasion from the United States.
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The construction of the Forts-de-Lévis started in 1865 during British rule in preparation for an attack by the Americans. During this period, the American Civil War was nearing its end. Canadians, still under British Colonial rule, were afraid that the Union (Northern US) would invade Canada to recuperate territories that the lost to the South. Although England decided to stay neutral, it remained important trade partner for the cotton industry in the South.
Additionally, war was threatening to break out in Europe between Prussia and Austria. In the event of a conflict, British access to the Baltic Sea could potential be blocked, thus cutting the wood supply to Great Britain. Therefore, Canada would have to be the main supplier of wood for Britain.
In 1862 the Gordon Commission conducted an investigation on the defense of Canada and arrived at the conclusion that in order to defend Quebec, a fort must be built on the hills of Levis. Lieutenant Colonel W.F.D. Jervois drafted a plan that originally consisted of five forts, though eventually reduced to four. In the end, only three forts were built by the British at Pointe-Lévy.