Roar of the Cannons Tour
In 1605, when the French established the first European settlement in North America, north of Florida, in Port Royal Acadia (now Nova Scotia) it brought this corner of the world into the military struggle between Britain and France. During the 150 years following the arrival of the French there were many invasions, battles and skirmishes between the British, New England militia, and the French until 1755 when Governor Shirley ordered the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia. The next threat would not take place until 1776, when an uprising in Massachusetts almost made Nova Scotia a 14th Colony. However with a strong naval base and the gem of the British defense system, Citadel Hill, both in Halifax, the closest point Revolutionary forces attacked was at Fort Lawrence (now Fort Beausejour) on the Nova Scotia - New Brunswick border. Until the early 1900s Britain maintained a strong military presence in Halifax, and it is still evident today. When looking at the history of Halifax, it is easy to see how this city was shaped by the boom time of war and struggled during times of peace. Halifax also paid a large price when in 1917 the Halifax Explosion occurred, killing more than 3000 people. Many of the old defense facilities from the Second World War can still be viewed. This tour will visit many of the actual sites where settlements and battles took place. Enjoy the French lifestyle as you visit Fortress Louisbourg. Here you are whisked back to 1744. Be sure to sample traditional French cuisine of that time period. This tour is being organized by a partnership of TayMac Tours, Parks Canada and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. One of the highlights will be a day involving a tour of the Citadel National Historic Site, a backstage tour of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, a "mess dinner" hosted by a local historian in the Citadel and a performance of the Tattoo itself. Tour Operators interested in finding out more about this itinerary should contact Duncan at TayMac Tours for further details. Tel: (902) 422-4861 |
