Soldiers sporting colourful uniforms and bearing powder and shot muskets, rows of tents, blackened pots hanging over open campfires and the sharp report of cannon fire will be just a few of the sights and sounds of the 18th century military encampment set to take place this weekend at Fort Beauséjour, near Aulac.
Some 25 military re-enactors and living history enthusiasts are expected to set up camp late Friday at the national historic park.
Site manager Juliette McLeod said recently that the public is invited to step back in time during the two-day event, which is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“We hope to see lots of people come out and see the encampment and enjoy the opportunity to talk with the people who are taking part in the weekend event,” she said.
A successful encampment held in September, 2009 has attracted about twice as many living history enthusiasts to the event this year.
“Last year some of the participants told us that the only historical encampment better than this one was one held at Fortress Louisbourg,” McLeod admitted.
It is expected the encampment will be set up late Friday, and although McLeod said the public is free to watch the set-up preparations, there are no special events on Friday but there will be many activities taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
“There will be certain activities taking place almost every hour on the weekend and the re-enactors and living history enthusiasts will be more than happy to talk to everyone on both days,” she said.
A detachment of Compagnies Franches de la Marine and supporting militia from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the 40th Regiment of Foot and Grenadier Company from the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association, complete with military drummer, Danks’ Rangers and individuals portraying French Acadian/Mik’maq will be camped at Fort Beauséjour. Through military drills and manoeuvres, small arms demonstrations and talks they will portray the camp and military life typical of an 18th century fort.
“There will be traditional wedge tents set up in a row, in military fashion, with a passageway in front; they’ll also be using various 18th century implements for cooking and tools for working and the public is encouraged to check out these items too. And if the tent flap is open they can even take a peek inside to see what living in the tents may have been like,” McLeod added.
In addition to the military re-enactors, two living history enthusiasts, Jim Hubley and 78th Highlander re-enactor Steve McLean, both of Nova Scotia, will also be setting up camp alongside the military companies.
McLeod explained that 18th military encampments also attracted a good number of followers, people of various trades who set up adjacent the camp and provided a number of supplies, tools and implements required by the military.
“These people were known as suttlers, they were tradespeople who played an important role in the everyday life of the military at that time,” she explained.
As part of living history the participants will portray aspects of material culture and daily life, allowing the public the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the life of the 18th century soldier.
The firing of a French cannon will be part of the two-day event, under the supervision of historic weapons specialist Troy Allen who will be on-site during the weekend.
“Troy will be preparing the cannon for firing and for this he has to take into consideration a number of things, including firing ranges, which will ensure the firing is carried out safely. This is a mandate of Parks Canada, to ensure that a weapons specialist is present when any artillery is fired,” McLeod noted.
People of all ages are encouraged to visit the encampment during hours of operation over the weekend. The regular minimal admission rates will apply, which allows admissions to all public areas of the fort including the museum, for the day of purchase.
For information on the historic encampment, contact Fort Beauséjour at (506) 364-5080.
