The fortress of Louisbourg was made by French settlers in Ile Royale in 1719. It grew in population and in power. Despite this power the British troops were able to overthrow the French in a 45 day battle. However, the settlement was given back to the French when the Aix-La-Chapelle Treaty was signed. But what happened after that? Did the French live happily ever after? Far from it, continue on to learn of the many attacks which lead to the tragic ending of the beloved fortress.

The French were finally able to return to their fortress after the treaty was signed, but they knew to expect another attack from the British. To prevent the loss of their township once again the French teamed up with the Natives, together they sealed the Western passes. Later a feuded broke out between the two, which progressed until becoming the French Native war which lasted two years. The war ended but the feud continued on and in 1756 began the Seven Year War.

Upset at the loss of the fortress the British began to plan another attack this time by water. Upon arrival the British were shocked to find a large force of French Naval ships waiting for them. Greatly out numbered the British lost the battle leaving the French to celebrate happily. Though they won this battle the French and British had a history of war. The French knew the British would attack again but what they did not know is when, nor did they know that next time they would not be so successful.

Embarrassed by the results of their last attempt the British quickly gathered its troops. Just one year later in 1758 the British posed another attack on the French. Bringing with them over 13,000 troops as well as 14,000 crew members on 150 ships, they were sure not to be out numbered once again. This would later be known as the largest attack in Canadian history. The French did not expect the British to attack so soon and therefore were ill equipped with their own naval force. This left the waters wide open and vulnerable providing an easy way in for the British. The war only lasted seven weeks before the French were forced to surrender. Leaving the fortress once again in the hands of the British.

Attacks on the fortress would never end. As long as the fortress stood the French would continue to fight in hopes that it would once again return to them. Determined not to let the land be lost any more the British kings gave the command to destroy the fortress. In 1760 the mighty walls of the fortress came crashing down into crumpled heap. When the fortress was gone the British king no longer seen need to keep his troops in Louisbourg and cleared them out not long after. A few soldiers did stay however and colonies of Irish and British made their way across Ile Royale to settle. Their population later grew a Irish and Loyalist settlers made their way over from Newfoundland.

The imported stone which had once been made into a mighty fortress was now being reused in the making of houses. Many of these homes are still standing and can be seen in Sydney, Halifax, and along Nova Scotia's eastern coastline.
Even more amazing is that after hundreds of years and lots of hard work, Louisbourg once again has its mighty fortress standing tall and proud. With thousands of people filling its courtyards each and every year and even on occasion a tall ships gracing its harbor, Louisbourg tells about its long and exciting past to anyone who wants to hear.


If you would like to learn more about Louisbourg read these related articles:

"The Founding Of Louisbourg" - Find everything from who founded Ile Royale and what its original purpose was, to its rise to the top.

"First Attack On Louisbourg" - Despite its growing power the British overthrew the French taking control of their fortress. Learn how it all happened.

"The Fortress of Louisbourg" - Louisbourg has been reconstructed and looks as good as it did in its prime. Find out everything there is to see and do in this great historic site, perfect for a family trip or for just you and your hubby.