Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Friday, December 18, 2015

Return to Nova Scotia

The time had come at the end of July for us to return to Nova Scotia and say goodbye to Newfoundland.  We boarded the ferry at Port Aux Basque to return to the same campground we left to head to Newfoundland. We hope that someday we might return to this amazing island.




We had one more important site to visit before leaving the northern coast of Nova Scotia.  On the northeastern coast is the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg.  This is a massive fortification with the first town settlement occurring in 1713 with the fortifications completed by the Mid 1740's and was among the largest such structures on the continent.  What was equally impressive to me, is the fact that the reconstruction that is available for tours is only one quarter of the size of the original fortified town.














 
Louisbourg played an important role in the struggle between the French and English for control of North American colonies and in particular, what is now Canada.  The Fortress was first overrun by British colonists in 1745.  Most of those colonists came from the colonies that later revolted against British and ultimately formed the United States.  Many of these colonists loss their lives in this important struggle.  Part of the treaty of 1748 returned the Fortress to French control, causing a lot of anger among the colonials who actually took the fortress.  This, was at least in some part, of the unhappiness that finally led the colonies to break with the British.  When it was ordered to retake the fortress in 1758, an overwhelming force of British regulars took control of the fortress and supposedly acted on their own, before additional orders were received,  systematically leveled the entire fortress to prevent it being handed back to the French through more negotiations.

The fortress shows what life was like during its active period with re-enactors everywhere along with guides and interpreters to answer questions.  There are period places to eat, see the merchant life in action and opportunities to observe the agricultural and other trades of the period.





























For those interested in history, this is a must see location.


The end.


8 comments:

Sherry said...

So sorry there will be no more posts from Labrador. I so wanted to go there this year. The Fortress looks like a very interesting place to visit. The reinactors and so on are like Colonial Williamsburg. Great the end shot!

Ruth said...

I have been to the Fortress twice, once long, long ago when I was about 10 and they were just reconstructing it, as it had been done back in the day, using most of the same tools, it was very interesting then again in 2011. I love the place, so full of history and so beautiful. So glad that you were able to visit this wonderful site.

www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

Wanderin' said...

I love visiting historical places. It's especially interesting where they have folks who dress the part of those who lived in the area years before.

Gypsy said...

I'm so glad you took us along on the trip to the Maritime Provinces. I've really enjoyed reading some of the history and seeing the sights.

Erin said...

I enjoy open air museums like this one. I really like that photo with the misty fort in the background and all the costumed people in the midground ... sort of reminiscent of the Pied Piper and his entourage for some reason.

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

Fascinating post and pictures. I'm a history buff and love seeing these old forts. :c)

Peter said...

That was really worth the time and effort to visit.

Nickie and Jim said...

An interesting and fun place to visit. We brought home a loaf of their bread to try. It was like a bowling ball! Loved your photos.