History of Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada

In 1719 work began on Fortress Louisbourg to protect France's interests. It was to become one of the busiest ports on the Atlantic coast.

www.cbc.ca/ acadian/ timeline.html

By 1740, the population of Louisbourg was close to 4,000.
With warehouses being built up, the town became the hub of a large triangular trade that connected the St. Lawrence Valley with the West Indies. Most of the people were indentured workers, merchants, and soldiers. At times, the authorities found it difficult to maintain order. Alcohol and smuggling proved more attractive to some soldiers than defending New France.
History of Quebec for Dummies by Eric Bedard, published by John Wiley & Sons, Canada, Ltd.

In 1745 Louisbourg fell to British forces from New England.
An expedition organized by Massachusetts Governor William Shirley besieged and ultimately captured the French fortress of Louisbourg, on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, in 1745 as part of King George's War.
www.cbc.ca/ acadian/ timeline.html

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle returned Louisbourg to the French in 1748

www.cbc.ca/ acadian/ timeline.html

1759 - Seige of Louisbourg
Situated on Cape Breton Island, the fortress town of Louisbourg had been captured from the French by American colonial forces in 1745 during the War of the Austrian Succession.

Returned by treaty after the conflict, it blocked British ambitions in Canada during the French & Indian War.

The Siege of Louisbourg lasted from June 8 to July 26, 1758.

The victory at Louisbourg opened the way for the British to campaign up the St. Lawrence River with the goal of taking Quebec. Following that city's surrender in 1759, British engineers began the systematic reduction of Louisbourg's defenses to prevent it being returned to the French by any future peace treaty.
militaryhistory.about.com/ od/ battleswars16011800/ p/ louisbourg.htm

1873
LOUISBURG, once an important seaport of Cape Breton, N.S., on the S.E. shore of the Island, 27 miles S.E. of Sydney. The French erected a fortress here at an expense of 30,000,000 livres, and while Louisburg remained in their occupancy it exported 500,000 quintals of cod annually, and 600 vessels were employed in its trade and fisheries. After it was taken possession of by the British in 1763 (all the French North American possessions having been given up by treaty,) the British Government demolished the fortifications, at an expense of $50,000; since then the harbor has been deserted and the town is almost in ruins. A number of fishermen only reside here. A light-house, showing a fixed light 15 feet high, has been erected on the sight of the old French light house on the east head. Louisburg has a fine harbor, open the year round.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1895 - Louisbourg
Louisburg, loo’is-burg, a seaport of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, on the S.E. shore of the island, 30 miles by rail S.E. of Sydney. The French erected a fortress here at an expense of 30,000,000 livres, and while Louisburg remained in their occupancy it exported 500,000 quintals of cod annually, and 600 vessels were employed in its trade and fisheries. After it was taken by the British, in 1763, the British government demolished the fortifications; since then the harbor has been deserted and the town is almost in ruins; but the place has become a railway terminus and a port of call for steamers. A number of fishermen only reside here. A light-house has been erected on the E. head, Louisburg has a fine harbor, open the year round.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1901 - Church of Stella Maris established at Louisbourg

www.gcatholic.org

1916
Loin sbu rg, loo'is-burg, an outport of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, on the SE. shore of the island, 39 miles SE. of Sydney, on the Sydney and Louisburg R. The French erected a fortress here at an expense of 30,000,000 livres, and while Louisburg remained in their occupancy it exported 500,000 quintals of cod annually, and 600 vessels were employed in its trade and fisheries. The fortress was taken by the British and the American colonists in 1745 and again in 1758, and after its final capture the British government demolished the fortifications. Since then the harbor has been largely deserted and the old town is almost in ruins ; but the place has in a measure revived and become a rail way terminus and a port of call for steamers. Louisburg has a fine harbor, open the year round. Pop. in 1901, 1588.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to visit and things to do in and around Louisbourg:
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: This is undoubtedly the star attraction in Louisbourg. Step back in time to the 18th century as you explore the meticulously reconstructed fortress. You can watch costumed interpreters reenact daily life, visit various buildings like the Governor's House, and immerse yourself in the history of the area.

Louisbourg Lighthouse: Located near the fortress, this picturesque lighthouse offers fantastic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the sea breeze.

Louisbourg Playhouse: If you're interested in local culture, check out the Louisbourg Playhouse. They often host live performances, including music, theater, and dance, showcasing the talents of the local community.

Louisbourg Harbour: Stroll along the waterfront and watch fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor. It's a serene spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

Kennington Cove Beach: Just a short drive from... Read MORE...