Teena and I took a step back in time to 1744 when we visited the Fortress of Louisbourg. Although I make it sound like a catchphrase for a commercial for the fort, it is very true. Visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg is just like going back in time.The Fortress is an excellent reconstruction of the original fort and town which stood for 38 years until its demolition by British forces in 1760. It was rebuilt in 1961 and is now a national historic site. Although just one quarter the size of the original fort, it still is massive! The town is full of soldiers, and townspeople all dressed and reenacting the part of someone in 1744.
I enjoyed listening to them explain what they were doing and why. As it was the last day, the fort would be in full operation for the season and it is now off season, there were not many visitors there, which gave us more time to chat with the reenactors who played the roles and talk to them out of character too, what they did in the off season, where they live, all that kind of stuff. It was nice to wander the entire fort and town without it being crowded.
When we first arrived, it was cool and misty and remained that way for the day. At first we were disappointed that it wasn't a nice sunny day until we realized that this is the weather most of the time here and was what the people of that era had to live through daily, so the weather really added to our experience.
I cleaned up some of the shots but you will find most pictures below misty, as that was the day we experienced. Funny thing, though, is that when we left, we were on the road for just 5 minutes and the sun broke through and the weather was gorgeous! Looking back, we could see the mist and fog that seems to hang forever over Louisbourg.
The Fortress of Louisbourg is really something special to experience.
The pictures of our day.
We waited 'til we got to Louisbourg to eat but could not find a place open. A tour bus driver recommended the Louisbourg General Store and which sold pizza.It was good!
The Visitors Centre. In order to preserve the archeology, visitors enter here and have a 6 minute bus ride to the fortress.
The bus drops you off at a fisherman's house and the "owner" tells you of life in those times. He was quite comical and made you realize quickly that everyone in the fort will be in character.
The entrance to the fort. The guard will hassle you here, especially if you wear red. Joey, Teena's sister's husband, told her to have me wear red. I did. I was hassled for most of the day on suspicion of being British. Thanks, Joey!
The town in the distance. They only had 30 days of sun this summer.
I love cannon and there was lots of them to be seen. As always, I pose to direct fire.
The blacksmith at the armory forge.
Everyday at the fort they make bread in the same way it was done in 1744. The full loaf is a 4 day ration for a soldier. It weighs 6 pounds and is quite hardy. I bought a smaller soldier's loaf and munched on it for the afternoon. It actually was quite good!
The was a musket demonstration. Usually I can capture the actual shot with my camera but missed. I did get to hold the musket though.
A cool shot of Teena!
The soldiers' quarters. They slept 3 to a bed. One was always on guard duty so the bed was less crowded.
The Governor's quarters.
Some more favorite shots. Again, if up that way, this place is a must see!
The Visitors Centre. In order to preserve the archeology, visitors enter here and have a 6 minute bus ride to the fortress.
The bus drops you off at a fisherman's house and the "owner" tells you of life in those times. He was quite comical and made you realize quickly that everyone in the fort will be in character.
The entrance to the fort. The guard will hassle you here, especially if you wear red. Joey, Teena's sister's husband, told her to have me wear red. I did. I was hassled for most of the day on suspicion of being British. Thanks, Joey!
The town in the distance. They only had 30 days of sun this summer.
I love cannon and there was lots of them to be seen. As always, I pose to direct fire.
The blacksmith at the armory forge.
Everyday at the fort they make bread in the same way it was done in 1744. The full loaf is a 4 day ration for a soldier. It weighs 6 pounds and is quite hardy. I bought a smaller soldier's loaf and munched on it for the afternoon. It actually was quite good!
The was a musket demonstration. Usually I can capture the actual shot with my camera but missed. I did get to hold the musket though.
A cool shot of Teena!
The soldiers' quarters. They slept 3 to a bed. One was always on guard duty so the bed was less crowded.
The Governor's quarters.
Some more favorite shots. Again, if up that way, this place is a must see!
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