Fort Edward National Historic Site — Attraction in Windsor

Fort Edward National Historic Site, here location of this site overlooking the junction of St. Croix and Avon rivers was key to its role in protecting the lines of communication and travel between Halifax and Bay of Fundy shores.

It was constructed in 1750 as part of series of fortifications built to support the new British base at Halifax, established in 1749. It is nationally significant because its role in struggle for predominance in North America from 1750 to 1812. Its position at the junction of Avon and St. Croix rivers, a centre of Acadian and Mi’kmaq settlement, helped protect the lines of communication and travel between Halifax and Bay of Fundy shores.

The fort was built on a square plan with bastion at each corner, and was surrounded by a ditch. Earth ramparts and wooden palisades were used to protect the fortifications. The buildings inside the fort was constructed of wood. In 1748, Fort Edward had accommodations for 8 officers and 168 men. Its armament consisted of one 6-pound gun, five 9-pound guns and two 4-pound guns.

Fort Edward served as a base of operations for the deportation of the Acadians in 1755, and later saw service during the American Revolution (1755-1783) and the war of 1812. In later years it served as a training camp for the Canadian Militia. Of original buildings only the blockhouse remains. The oldest blockhouse in Canada, it is also one of the few mid-18th-century buildings still standing in Nova Scotia. Fort Edward became a national historic...

I'll admit that being the interpreter here for the 2019 season gives me quite a bias toward this incredible historic site, but even if that weren't the case I'd still encourage everyone who can to come take a look. We have a large, beautiful, property with a lovely easy trail and plenty of information available on our panels, as well as an inside tour of the blockhouse and a first-hand look at its history during the summer months, which is available Tuesday to Saturday from 9-5 (come visit me! I would love to share this history with you!). The grounds and the first floor of the blockhouse are wheelchair accessible, but I would advise visitors in wheelchairs to use their own discretion when it comes to the trail. There are washrooms available at the West Hants Historical Society on King St during the same hours that the blockhouse is open, and a large parking lot to accomodate all of our lovely guests, buses included. We are happy to offer this experience to the public without charging admission, but donations are welcome! If you have any further questions, please feel free to add a question to this page and I will get back to you as best I can! Hope to...

Wonderful site with historic blockhouse. Site of Headquarters of 84th Regiment, 2nd Battalion during American Revolution. Plaque on outside of blockhouse describes how Flora Macdonald savior of Bonnie Prince Charlie, who subsequently moved from Scotland to North Carolina. Her husband Allan Macdonald joined Loyalists at start of American Revolution. He was given commission as Captain in 84th Regiment. Captured but after release stationed at Fort Edward. Flora came to be with him and spent a winter there before returning to Scotland. Her husband was discharged from 84th Regiment at end of American Revolution from Fort Edward. He was offered land in Hants County like other members of 84th. Returning to England he unsuccessfully tried to claim for losses during recent conflict. Then went to Scotland to...