Lévis Forts facts for kids
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| Established | 1865 |
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| Location | Saint Lawrence River in the Province of Quebec, Canada. |
| Type | forts |
| Official name: Lévis Forts National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1920 |
The Lévis Forts were three strong forts built on the south side of the Saint Lawrence River. They are located in Lévis, Quebec, Canada. These forts were close enough to each other to protect a large area. This saved money compared to building one long wall.
The British Army built the first fort between 1865 and 1872. Private companies built the other two forts from 1865 to 1869. All three forts cost a similar amount to build.
During the American Civil War, Great Britain said it was neutral. But British factories still needed cotton from the southern United States. After the Civil War, the British worried that the Americans might invade Canada.
Lieutenant-Colonel William Jervois came to Canada to plan its defense. He suggested building separate forts on Pointe-Lévy, across from Quebec City. His first plan was for five forts, but only three were built. None of these forts were ever used by soldiers. This was because the Treaty of Washington was signed in 1871. After this treaty, the forts were no longer needed.
Lévis Forts National Historic Site
Fort No. 1 has been fixed up and is now a National Historic Site of Canada. It is called the Lévis Forts National Historic Site. This fort is shaped like a star. Inside its casemates (strong rooms), you can see exhibits about the fort's history. You can learn about what military life was like there.
The exhibits include a video show, small models, old pictures, and games. You can also see old tools and materials. Guides can take you on tours through the casemates, tunnels, and underground rooms. You can also explore outside on your own. See the unique rolling bridge, the top of the fort (called the terreplein), and the powder magazines where gunpowder was stored. You can also see the caponiers, which were special parts of the fort for defense.
