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Fortress was the largest French Fortress and Naval Base in North America and a played a major part in trade and cod fishing. Construction of the fortified town started in 1719 and continued until it was captured by the British in 1745. It was returned to the French in 1748 by the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.

On June 1, 1758 a massive British force arrived at Louisbourg - 157 ships,16,000 troops and almost 2,000 mounted guns set to attack the French fortress. The French had a force of 3,500 men, 218 guns and 5 warships. After a seven-week siege under the command of Brigadier General James Wolfe and Major General Jeffrey Amherst, the French surrendered their fortress and its people were deported to France.

The victory at Louisbourg made it possible for the British to move up the St. Lawrence River and the capture of Quebec City. Following Fortress Louisbourg's surrender in 1759, British engineers began the systematic reduction of Louisbourg's defenses in 1760 to prevent it being returned to the French by any future peace treaty.