Louisbourg - Key To A Continent

Fairfax Downey, author of many popular books on military history, writes a stirring account of a momentous period in history He provides atmosphere and reality by focusing attention upon the people and the everyday happenings at the Fortress of Louisbourg and gives a colorful re-creation of land and sea battles.

Downey describes this vital bastion as "The strongest fortress in America, a walled city without a peer in the New World." Louisbourg was guardian of the approaches to the St. Lawrence River, gateway to the heart of French Canada, and the key to a continent.

In North America, the grasp of France was beginning to loosen. Its territories were shrinking, due to England's relentless drive. But total possession was impossible so long as the great fortress Louisbourg stood fast.

Then in 1744, war was declared between France and England and General William Pepperrell and American Colonial troops with the English navy laid siege to Louisbourg which fell in 1745. England's possession lasted only three years, as Louisbourg was restored to the French by the Treaty of Aix la-Chapelle.

The Seven Years War brought still another siege (1758) by the British who defeated the French. When the struggle between the two great powers ended, the fort was demolished and its people dispersed.

Fairfax Downey is a U.S. Army veteran of both world wars and is a recognized authority on sieges, artillery, and American military history. He is the author of 39 books including: Indian Fighting Army, Indian Wars of the US Army, Guns at Gettysburg, Clash of Cavalry, Sound of the Guns, and Texas and the War with Mexico.