Fortress of Louisbourg & Historical Reconstructions

The Fortress of Louisbourg is North America’s largest historical reconstruction, sitting as an enormous monument to French and British conflict (colonial North America), including the fall of New France. Now a living history museum and archaeological site, on another level...one that UNESCO and Adolphe Didron might have something to say about! We were curious whether something of this size or subject matter would be reconstructed today in Canada? And, what the value of these types of public engagement experiences have now? All while looking at some of the ethical concerns that surround modern reconstruction projects. Wooh! That’s a lot to cover, so we better get going…
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[@davidmacdonald8882]

We are lucky to have the reconstruction of the Fortress of Louisbourg. I was lucky to have worked there in archeology for a few seasons. Such a worthwhile project.

[@bluelobstertales]

The reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg is a great place to learn about history and live the experience! Thanks for watching!

[@galolito]

However, it did feed the families of quite a few stone masons.

[@bluelobstertales]

Good point. There's so many different angles! Might even be an interesting topic to explore in the future. Thanks for your comment!

[@mikelaaper9100]

Thanks for sharing the UNESCO view point as I was not aware of their viewpoint. That was interesting.

[@bluelobstertales]

Ya, we were initially surprised by their take on it. We now understand their perspective, but maybe Louisbourg's history is best preserved as it is today?

[@dinkster1729]

I visited Louisbourg in 1977 and I found that the people portrayed the life there between its establishment and its final destruction very realistically. The enactors talked about the lack of support they were receiving. It is huge. Much larger than the fortress at Placentia that it replaced after the French lost Placentia. Was it the British military or the New Englanders who demanded that the fortress be totally destroyed so it could be handed back to the French after the war.

[@stevenmoultrup3897]

Visited the Fortress of Louisbourg in Sept 2023. Very impressive reconstruction. I live near the French Fort Niagara and have always been interested in the history of the 1700's. The French Castle at Niagara is very similar in construction.

[@bluelobstertales]

That's great! Louisbourg would have been quite an impressive structure to see at the time! We haven't yet made it to the Niagara area, but will have to add it to our list of forts to explore! Thanks for watching! :)

[@owain_rj]

Interesting discussion, thanks 👍

[@bluelobstertales]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@christophe3281]

I’m staying here overnight in 2 weeks!!

[@bluelobstertales]

That sounds amazing! Is it your first time at Louisbourg?

[@christophe3281]

@@bluelobstertales nah, been going there yearly, sometimes two, 3 times a year for the last 30+ years. Live nearby

[@davehasler8786]

I think it's an incredible representation of the site weather it's embellished or bright and shiny many things from history were represented in romantic representation Kruger art of settlements in Canada are like Christmas cards bright and warm not realistic if how the struggle but it sold. To.establish a representation of the old fort is no different than the reconstruction of Notre Dame.

[@bluelobstertales]

We couldn’t agree more. It’s a fantastic place to interpret history and experience first hand what life might have been like at that time. Thanks for watching! :)