Fortress Louisbourg is the largest reconstructed 18th century town in North America. It took 25 years to complete, with scientific research still ongoing.
Excellent archived records and drawings in France gave exact details for the village reconstruction.
The village is very large and yet represents only 1/4 of the original buildings.
It is a fortified French colonial town that twice endured sieges by the British.
A fort is a military stronghold, whereas a fortress is an actual town with some fortified protection.
The French came here in 1713 after losing territory to the British in Newfoundland and Acadia.
Based on a thriving fishing industry and trade, this site became France’s most important stronghold and seaport in what is now Atlantic Canada.
Once again the re-enactors are excellent, bringing the sights and sounds of the 18th century alive.
Homes, exhibits and gardens are all carefully displayed.
Visitors stroll the village streets and waterfront among the citizens of Louisbourg as they bring life to this busy seaport of the past.
Today it is one of Canada’s most prominent national historic sites.
We enjoyed an 18th century lunch at a village restaurant and had all our questions answered by our knowledgeable waitress.
Tomorrow we leave Ron and Betty as they continue on in Cape Breton Island and we take the short ferry to Newfoundland. They are a wonderful couple, a delight to travel with and we will miss them, but as Betty says,"The world is round" and we will meet again somewhere in our travels.
We spent the night overlooking the ocean at Fort Petrie, an important site in both World Wars.
To learn more about Louisbourg go to: www.pc.gc.ca/louisbourg
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