Fortress of Louisbourg

Construction began in 1720 and by the mid-1740s Louisbourg (45.892288, -59.985550 ) was one the most extensive and expensive European fortification in North America. The original fort extend east and sout from the reconstruction to Church Cove and the point.

 It fell to the British for the second time in 1758 and was systematically destroyed by British engineers. 

A model of what the fort looked before it's destruction.

20% of the original city has been faithfully restored using original documents and building foundations.

Not only are the buildings, furnishings, dress and food correct for the time, so are the farm animals.

There was festival this weekend and reinactors from all over Canada came to add life to the buildings. Here is a fisherman and his wife. 

Linda being challenged by the guard at the city gates. Asking how she at arrived, she replyed "by cart". He then queried how many horses pulled her cart. Linda said 480. The guard surmised that Linda must be a woman of high status and allowed her to enter. 

The governors residence and offices.

The soldiers had the lowest social status. There were three men assigned to each bed. One was always on duty. I guess hot bunking did not start with nuclear submarines. The furnishings, clothing, and weapons are correct for the time, but I don't think this soldier sex is correct for the period.  

This lady was fantastic, weaving lace while carrying on a conversation with us.

Louisbourg's one percenters

Recent arrivals from Europe set up camp along the waterfront and peddle their wares.

The book binder. He likes to rebind old bibles.

Maker of carved candle boxes

A young apprentice.

Punishment for a thief

This man stole a bottle of wine.

Into the stocks

Reading the chages and the sentence of two hours in the stocks. His sister pleaded for his release and promised he would never steal again. The villain was released. 

The govener had the yellow Frederic Gate built to impress disembarking passengers.

Living room of Louisbourg's third most important citizen, the town engineer. 

A mechanical device to turn roasting meat before the fire. 

His office. The documents he created help in accurately rebuilding the town.

Playing a waltz on the harpsichord. 

Dancing in the engineer's parlor.

This was the best historical experience I have ever had. If you wander this way, be sure to stop by.