In 1713, France set up a new stronghold at the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, on what was then Ile Royale, which has since become Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia.

In 1758, after several struggles, the British finally captured the fortress and destroyed it without any intention of settling there.

In 1961, the closure of the Cape Breton coal mines led the federal government to finance major works to employ the population, leading to the reconstruction of Louisbourg.

Military stronghold

With the organisation of New France, stretching from Quebec to Louisiana and covering the whole of the central North American continent, the French king took matters into his own hands after having left the early days of colonisation to commercial companies.

The growing rivalry with the British called for a stronger military presence to provide safe conditions for the settlers, sailors and fishermen, who were still coming in great numbers to fish on the banks of Newfoundland.

A fortified port was therefore set up at Louisbourg facing the Atlantic, at the mouth of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Located in the Château Saint-Louis, the garrison numbered less than 2,000 men in 1745 during the first confrontation with the British. In 1758 they were 7,000, illustrating the importance of Louisbourg in the French defence system.

Reconstruction

After the British victory, assisted by American settlers, Louisbourg was looted and the fortifications dismantled. Some of the stones were used for other buildings in the region.

From the end of the 19th century, the historical interest encouraged a policy of land purchase in order to protect the site and allow historical research. Apart from a small amount of agricultural activity, no new construction disturbed the site for two centuries.

With the closure of the coal mines and the continuing lack of employment in Nova Scotia, the authorities developed a project to rebuild Louisbourg based on the research carried out. From 1961 onwards and over a period of 20 years, some fifty buildings were carefully rebuilt according to the original construction techniques.

Re-enactment

During the two summer months, numerous interpreters and guides in period costume play their roles for the visitors while explaining the living conditions of the past. Not only does this provide work, but the immersive visit is all the more instructive.

Building on such a fine historical site, groups of volunteers with a passion for historical re-enactments meet at Louisbourg on occasion to re-enact the battles. For a few days re-enactors even try to live as close as possible to the conditions of the time.

Today, Louisbourg has become a major tourist attraction in the Maritime provinces. Not only have the buildings been restored to their former glory, but the interiors have been reconstructed as faithfully as possible. In summer, the presence of costumed guides adds an extra touch.

Introduction to Nova Scotia

For a long time, France and Britain fought over this land that formed the heart of French-speaking Acadia. Several waves of immigrants progressively replaced the French who had established from 1604. Scots, Germans, American settlers and finally Loyalists fleeing the independent United States. In 1755, the Acadians were expelled in the Great Upheaval, which still fuels passions.

Halifax : Top 10

Nova Scotia’s capital was created in 1749 by the Brittish with the intention of rivaling the French port of Louisbourg further north. After its military origins, Halifax became a major commercial city.

Lunenburg

Lunenburg is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an example of a colonial settlement in North America. Its people have made a name for themselves in shipbuilding, notably with the racing schooner Bluenose.

Louisbourg

En 1713, la France installe une nouvelle place forte à l’entrée du golfe du Saint Laurent, sur ce qui était alors l’Ile Royale, devenue depuis l’île du Cap Breton de la province de Nouvelle-Ecosse.