Which city hosted the first discussions about Confederation?

The first discussions about Confederation took place in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 1864. This gathering was significant as it marked the initial meetings where leaders from various provinces considered the idea of uniting into a single nation. The conference was intended to discuss a maritime union, but it evolved into discussions about a broader confederation that would include Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Charlottetown's selection as the venue was pivotal because it served as a neutral ground where representatives could convene and propose ideas for unification openly. The discussions ultimately set the stage for further negotiations and eventual agreement on the terms of Confederation, leading to the creation of Canada in 1867.

Montreal and Toronto, while prominent cities in Canadian history, were not the initial settings for these crucial discussions. Ottawa, later chosen as the capital of Canada, played a role in subsequent developments but was not the site of the original talks. Understanding the importance of Charlottetown helps grasp how geographical and political contexts influenced the birth of the Canadian Confederation.