The Fortress of Louisbourg now stands as one of the most extensive historical reconstructions in North America, here are some things to know.
1
France ceded Acadia to Britain but established Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island as a new stronghold to protect its remaining North American interest.
2
Louisbourg was designed as a fortified seaport with strong defensive walls and strategic placement.
3
The fortress became a vibrant trading center, exporting fish and timber while importing European goods.
4
During King George’s War, British colonial forces from New England, aided by the Royal Navy, captured Louisbourg.
5
British forces again laid siege to & captured Louisbourg in a brutal campaign, leading to its eventual demolition.
6
The British systematically destroyed Louisbourg’s fortifications, rendering it unusable to deter any future French attempt.
7
Starting in the 1960s, a large-scale partial reconstruction project began and served as a major tourist and educational site.