National Historic Site
| Fortress of Louisbourg | |
|---|---|
| Location | Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada. |
| Type | National Historic Site of Canada |
| Website | www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index_e.asp |
In 1961, the government of Canada, under the leadership of Victor Malm, undertook a historical reconstruction of one quarter of the town and fortifications with the aim being to recreate Louisbourg as it would have been at its height in the 1740s. The work required an interdisciplinary effort by archaeologists, historians, engineers, and architects. The reconstruction was aided by unemployed coal miners from the industrial Cape Breton area, many of whom learned French masonry techniques from the 18th century and other skills to create an accurate replica. Where possible, many of the original stones were used in the reconstruction.
Today, the entire site of the fortress, including the one-quarter reconstruction, is Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, operated by Parks Canada as part of the national park system. Offerings include guided and unguided tours, and the demonstration and explanation of period weapons, including muskets and a cannon. Puppet shows are also shown. The Museum / Caretakers Residence (ca. 1935-6) within the site is a classified federal heritage building on the national Register of Historic Places. The fortress has also greatly aided the local economy of the town of Louisbourg, as it has struggled to diversify economically with the decline of the North Atlantic fishery.
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