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History of Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Journey back in time to Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Also known as(Cape Breton Island)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Louisbourg
Fortified town on Île Royale (present-day Cape Breton Island) begun in 1719, finished in 1745.
By the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), the French surrendered Nova Scotia (Acadia) to England but retained Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island) and Isle St. Jean (Prince Edward Island). To protect these islands as well as the fisheries and the approaches to the St. Lawrence River, France constructed the Fortress of Louisbourg. The walls of Louisbourg also protected a town (consequently, "fortress" rather than "fort"), and its location on a fine harbor made it one of the chief ports of North America.
www.masshist.org
After a short seige, the English captured the fort on June 16, 1745. It was returned to French control after the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in October 1748.
Another seige in 1758 that ended on July 26 meant the end of French control of Acadian lands. In addition to deporting the French and Acadians on Île Royale, the English took the opportunity to finish the 1755 deportations to send the Ile St. Jean Acadians to France.
www.acadian-cajun.com
By the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), the French surrendered Nova Scotia (Acadia) to England but retained Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island) and Isle St. Jean (Prince Edward Island). To protect these islands as well as the fisheries and the approaches to the St. Lawrence River, France constructed the Fortress of Louisbourg. The walls of Louisbourg also protected a town (consequently, "fortress" rather than "fort"), and its location on a fine harbor made it one of the chief ports of North America.
www.masshist.org
After a short seige, the English captured the fort on June 16, 1745. It was returned to French control after the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in October 1748.
Another seige in 1758 that ended on July 26 meant the end of French control of Acadian lands. In addition to deporting the French and Acadians on Île Royale, the English took the opportunity to finish the 1755 deportations to send the Ile St. Jean Acadians to France.
www.acadian-cajun.com
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VINTAGE LOUISBOURG
Louisbourg Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Artwork
 - Louisbourg Harbor (1850)){kind=small}
Louisbourg Harbor (1850)
Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Map
 - www.freeusandworldmaps.com){kind=small}
www.freeusandworldmaps.com
Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Artwork
 - 1898){kind=small}
1898
Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Postcard
 - Fortress of Louisbourg){kind=small}
Fortress of Louisbourg
Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Photograph
 - Church of Stella Maris
7564 Main St., Louisbourg, NOVA SCOTIA
Established 1901
Source: Google maps){kind=small}
Church of Stella Maris
7564 Main St., Louisbourg, NOVA SCOTIA
Established 1901
Source: Google maps
7564 Main St., Louisbourg, NOVA SCOTIA
Established 1901
Source: Google maps
Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
Postcard
 - Fortress of Louisbourg){kind=small}
Fortress of Louisbourg
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to LOUISBOURG
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
NOVA SCOTIA Ancestry Mug with Attitude - Sarcasm, Chowder & Thick Socks
Celebrate your Nova Scotia roots with this fun and relatable heritage mug! Featuring the witty caption “My Ancestors Came from Nova Scotia. That explains a lot about my love for chowder, sarcasm and thick socks!”, this mug is perfect for anyone proud of their East Coast ancestry and sharp sense of humor.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Louisbourg: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Louisbourg through the years.
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.
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.
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.
The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle returned Louisbourg to the French in 1748
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.
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.
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.
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.
1901 - Church of Stella Maris established at Louisbourg
Show more local history, news & stories
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.
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...
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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...
GENEALOGY IN LOUISBOURG
Discover YOUR Roots: Louisbourg Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
We currently have information about 73 ancestors who were born or died in Louisbourg.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Louisbourg, Île Royale, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Updated: 9/18/2023 4:48:30 PM
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