Inside Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland - Aulac, New Brunswick - Canada

Situated on the border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this site serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles for control that defined much of North American history in the 18th century. The fort is perched on a strategic ridge overlooking the Isthmus of Chignecto, the narrow land bridge that connects the two provinces, making it a vital location in the colonial power struggles between France and Britain.
Historical Background
The history of Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland is a tale of shifting allegiances, military strategies, and the impact of global conflicts on local communities. The fort was originally built by the French in 1751 and named Fort Beauséjour. At the time, the region was part of the larger area known as Acadia, which was hotly contested by both the French and the British. The French constructed the fort to protect their interests in the region and to serve as a counterbalance to the British Fort Lawrence, located just a few kilometers away across the Missaguash River.
Fort Beauséjour quickly became a focal point in the conflict known as the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), which in North America is often referred to as the French and Indian War. This war was part of a larger global conflict between France and Britain, and the stakes were incredibly high. Control of North America, with its vast resources and strategic advantages, was a key objective for both colonial powers.
The Siege of Fort Beauséjour
In June 1755, the fort was the site of a significant and decisive battle. British forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Monckton, launched a siege against Fort Beauséjour. After two weeks of fighting, the French commander Louis Du Pont Duchambon de Vergor surrendered the fort to the British. This victory was a critical turning point in the British campaign to gain control of Acadia and solidified British dominance in the region.
Following the capture, the British renamed the fort Fort Cumberland in honor of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, who was known for his military leadership. The fort’s capture also had a profound impact on the Acadian population in the region. The British began a campaign of expulsion against the Acadians, leading to the deportation of thousands of French-speaking settlers in what is known as the Great Upheaval, or Le Grand Dérangement. This tragic chapter in history saw Acadian families separated, with many forcibly relocated to other parts of North America or even to France.
Fort Cumberland in the American Revolution
Fort Cumberland's strategic importance did not end with the Seven Years' War. During the American Revolution, the fort played a role in the conflict between American patriots and British loyalists. In 1776, the fort was besieged by a group of American rebels led by Jonathan Eddy, who hoped to capture the fort and inspire local support for the American cause. However, the British garrison, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Goreham, successfully defended the fort, and the rebellion was quashed. This event further entrenched British control in the region and underscored the fort's continuing military significance.
Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland Today
Today, Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland is a National Historic Site of Canada, managed by Parks Canada. The site has been preserved and interpreted to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of its historical significance. The fort's earthworks, foundations, and reconstructed elements give a vivid sense of what life was like for soldiers stationed at this remote outpost.
Visitors to the site can explore the remnants of the fort's bastions, barracks, and powder magazine. Interpretive panels and exhibits provide context and detail about the fort's history, the military strategies employed, and the daily life of soldiers and settlers in the 18th century. The site also includes a visitor center with artifacts, maps, and displays that offer deeper insights into the events that unfolded here.
One of the highlights of a visit to Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland is the stunning view from the fort's ramparts. The fort's position on a ridge provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Tantramar Marshes, the Missaguash River, and the distant outline of Nova Scotia's Cobequid Mountains. This strategic vantage point allows visitors to appreciate why this location was so fiercely contested.