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  Researching the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
  Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada

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Archaeology
More Archaeology Questions

What does "archaeological resources preserved for future generations" mean?

Archaeology is a destructive process, but as we learn more we do it better, so for now, we refrain from unearthing all of the record of Louisbourg. Future researchers will be able to draw more information from the soil layers than we can at this point in time. Artifact management also figures in the decision to dig. We are currently managing a 5+ million artifact collection, with a staff of 2. The artifact collection continues to grow, primarily because of annual rescue excavation work carried out in response to coastal erosion. Management of this collection, as-is, is full-time work. Therefore, significant additions to the collection would be difficult to deal with given our current staff size and, of course, our limited storage space & conservation services). Methods such as remote sensing are developing as well, that will allow us to study more with less intrusion. As the technology improves, we will be able to locate archaeological sites using remote sensing technology, an approach that is far less intrusive than manual excavation. However, once a site is located, excavation will be carried out manually, but with greater emphasis on micro- and macro-fossil study [such as analysis of pollen and seeds], for better understanding on the environment and plant usage within the 18th century community. We also make greater use of spatial analysis tools such as GPS [global positioning system] and GIS [geographic information system] programs).

The siege sites and archaeological remains associated with the sieges extend in an arc from the modern water tower to the Fresh Water Brook and from Gun Landing cove towards the harbour, and around the fortress. Over 400 sites have been recorded thus far, these include campsites, Wolfe's Redoubt, the light infantry blockhouse. Within the fortress walls, archaeological research in the 1960s-80s has focused on architectural elements directly related the reconstruction. The reconstructed town-site area represents a rather affluent part of the community. About 4/5 of the town has not been studied, including simpler dwellings and possibly more vernacular architecture.

Some staff present expressed interest in knowing more about how simpler residents of Louisbourg lived, and in having the opportunity to present a simpler home.