Louisbourg Fortress

Day Sixty Four

buck·et list

nounINFORMAL

noun: bucket list; plural noun: bucket lists

1. a number of experiences that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.

Today, Lori crossed off the Louisbourg fortress on her bucket list of places to see. The fortress was established in 1713 by the French, and took twenty eight years to complete. The fort itself cost France 30 million French livres which prompted King Louis XV to joke that he should be able to see the peaks of the buildings from his Palace in Versaille. The original budget for the fort was four million livres.

The history surrounding the fortress is extensive until it’s final demise in 1768. In 1961 the Canadian Government undertook a historical reconstruction of the fortress. All the trades required to build authentic houses to historical documents was nonexistent. The local population had to relearn how make wood frames, furniture, and iron works; such as hinges and locks again. 

The accomplishment of what Nova Scotia did to the fortress is absolutely remarkable. You would not guess that the town is a replica. The staff working the fortress are all dressed in clothing of that century and role play their position, Interacting with them was a lot of fun. 

The day was pretty rainy and we were fairly soaked through the first half of the visit. We were able to dry off during lunch and the rain finally let up in the afternoon, making it a little more comfortable to explore. We returned home late in the afternoon, the pups were so happy to see us they ran out of the RV and took to zoomies all around the campsite; it ended abruptly when Gizmo veered off into a slime infested pool of water behind the RV. The pool was deep enough that he had to swim out. 

Fortress of Louisbourg.

We wore our red rain coats, all the employees called us red coats, and warned we may get shot. 

Fortress walls. 

You are greeted by a couple in a replica farm house outside the fortress. The farm houses were built cheap due to the fact that you would be required to burn it to the ground if the fortress came under siege. The staff were dressed for the time period and answered questions in character. 

Warehouse entrance.

Warehouse. 

Governors bedroom. 

Governors kitchen. 

The only restaurant in the fortress was in character. You sat at long tables with benches. Old style table cloth, hand towel, and one spoon to eat your meal with.

Turkey pie for lunch. 

Barracks. 

The main room served several purposes, the table would be moved for entertainment and casual relaxation. 

The rooms were small. 

Gizmo curled up from his slime plunge and bath.