Fort Nashwaak

Fort Nashwaak was a French military stronghold built where two rivers met, constructed with wooden palisades and diamond-shaped bastions for defensive purposes. The layout allowed defenders to monitor and protect both waterways from a single position.

French Governor Joseph Robineau de Villebon built the fort between 1691 and 1692, establishing it as Acadia's capital after regaining Port Royal. The construction marked a shift in French control over the region during a period of colonial conflict.

The site was a gathering place where French soldiers and Abenaki warriors worked together to protect the region. This partnership reflects how European and Indigenous communities cooperated during the early colonial period.

The site today is marked only by a commemorative plaque in Carleton Park at the corner of Union Street and Gibson Street. Visitors will find a flat, park-like setting where informational signs explain the historical context and layout.

The fort successfully resisted a two-day English attack in 1696, proving its military strength and strategic value. This defensive victory made it a symbol of French presence in North America during that era.

Location: Fredericton

Inception: 1691

GPS coordinates: 45.96170,-66.62580

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20