Fort Nashwaak Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Nashwaak
Fredericton, New Brunswick,
Fort Nashwaak plan
Site information
Controlled by	French
Site history
Built	1691-1692
Battles/wars	Siege of Fort Nashwaak (1696)
National Historic Site of Canada
Designated:	1924

Fort Nashwaak (also called Fort Naxoat or Fort St. Joseph) was a very important French fort. It was built between 1691 and 1692 in what is now Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. For a time, it was even the capital city of a French area called Acadia. Today, the site of Fort Nashwaak is a special place known as a National Historic Site of Canada. It was built in a smart location along the Saint John River, close to a Native village called Fort Meductic, which was good for military defense.

Fort Nashwaak: A French Stronghold
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Fort Nashwaak: A French Stronghold

Why Was Fort Nashwaak Built?

Fort Nashwaak was built during a time of war known as King William's War. Before this, the capital of Acadia was at Port Royal. However, Port Royal was defeated in 1690. Because of this, the French needed a new capital that was safer.

So, in 1691 and 1692, the Governor of Acadia, Joseph de Villebon, decided to build Fort Nashwaak. He chose a spot at Nashwaaksis, on the north side of the Saint John River, right where the Nashwaak River flows into it. This new fort took the place of Fort Jemseg (which had replaced Port Royal) as the capital of Acadia.

Life and Battles at the Fort

Fort Nashwaak became a busy place for French military actions. After a successful attack on Oyster River in New England, a commander named Claude-Sébastien de Villieu joined Governor de Villebon at Fort Nashwaak. Together, they led many raids from the fort into the English areas of New England.

They had help from their Abenaki and other First Nations allies. One of their biggest successes was the Siege of Pemaquid (1696). The Governor also received a lot of support from Frontenac, a powerful French leader.

In response to these attacks, the British tried to attack Fort Nashwaak in 1696. This event is known as the siege of the capital. The French successfully defended the fort during this attack.

The End of Fort Nashwaak

Fort Nashwaak was an important center for the French for several years. However, its time as a capital came to an end. Governor de Villebon passed away in 1700. Soon after, a very bad flood damaged the fort. Because of these reasons, the fort was eventually abandoned.

A Historic Site Today

Even though the fort is no longer standing, its history is remembered. The area where Fort Nashwaak once stood was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1924. This means it's a special place that helps us learn about Canada's past.