Places of Change Contest

Guestbook Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site - Fortress of Louisbourg - My \"Sweet Spot\" in Canada

Every summer, I volunteer at the Fortress of Louisbourg and dress up in 18th century costumes to re-enact history. I have been doing this for the past 11 years, and it is still the highlight of my summer!

I love wearing the costumes, demonstrating tasks from 1744, and representing Canada's past. There is just something about the beat of the drums, the sound of canon firings, the taste of the old-fashioned bread, the views of the reconstructed buildings and the people who make this town come "alive" that makes this place wonderful.

I'm already looking forward to this summer, and to enjoy spending my time at my "sweet spot" in Canada - the Fortress of Louisbourg.

Fortress of Louisbourg

Guestbook Fortress of Louisbourg

If I lived in the French town of Louisbourg in the 18th century, life would be much different. People were put into different social rankings, based on income, wealth, or family history/background. There would be the Lower class, middle class, and upper class.

As I've volunteered at the Fortress of Louisbourg, and have reenacted many roles, I know that the lower class people are very poor. Food is often an issue, as well as proper clothing, warm home, etc.

The middle class have money to be able to own a nice home, have good clothing, and most middle class men are officers in the military. Some Women didn't have to cook because they had servants, so they spent leisure time on hobbies such as bobbin lace making.

The upper class had wealth, and many material items. They ate more food, worked less, and had better clothing. Their homes were furnished better (something's imported from France), and women wore huge dresses with plenty of lace to symbolize their high social class.

Although their lives didn't seem too stressful, there were many hardships. Lice was a huge problem during that time, which is why many women wore bonnets. There was also shortages of food, and the weather in Louisbourg was harsh on the buildings, as well as the people (who were not from there.) Many people got sick, and when they did there wasn't much help to get them better at the time. Wars were going on with the English, which also led to the Fortress of Louisbourg's demolishment.

Fortress of Louisbourg

Photospot