The Canadian Government agreed to build this project to create work for some of the unemployed miners in the early 1960's. Not sure how long it took them, but years for sure. There are thousands of artifacts that have been dug up. Many of the buildings were reconstructed on the original foundations. Here is a bit of info courtesy of Mr. google.....
The Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest reconstruction project in North America. The original settlement was founded in 1713 by the French and developed over several decades into a thriving center for fishing and trade. Fortified against the threat of British invasion during the turbulent time of empire-building, Louisbourg was besieged twice before finally being destroyed in the 1760s. The site lay untouched until well into modern times, when archaeologists began to reconstruct the fortress as it was in the 18th century.
As it was in the 1700's.....The yellow entrance gate when arriving by sea...at times there were hundreds of vessels, including large war ships and supply ships in the harbour.
There are people around, dressed in period costume, that will tell you all kinds of historical facts and little stories about life within the walls. They were very good at staying in character and made you feel as though you were talking to someone who actually lived there in the mid 1700's.
Inside a fish merchants home....
The bakery, where the soldiers would collect their rations.....one 6 pound loaf would be their food for 4 days.
This costume weighs 37 pounds....
When we were in Amsterdam, visiting the Rijksmuseum, Tom just about got us kicked out for fondling a cannon, so he was thrilled that he could do it here without being reprimanded....
However.....this is the guy that yelled at him for walking too close to the edge of the wall.....I was relieved he didn't have his musket in hand!
It was a great experience, and I learned so much. I think I have learned more about Canada in these last 10 days than I ever knew. For example, why did it take me 59 years to find out that Nova Scotia means New Scotland. I feel so much smarter now. May I please be excused, my brain is full!
On our drive back to Baddeck, we stopped for dinner at a restaurant in North Sydney, atop a hill overlooking the ferries heading to Newfoundland. It was a beautiful view....FYI...There are 2 routes, shortest is a 6 -8 hour trip and 152.00 for 1 car and 1 passenger, 1 way.
Stay tuned....
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