The Last Of The Mohican - a search for clues
„French Soldier“ in Fort Louisbourg
The novel "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper is set at the time of the British fighting the French (with Indian allies on both sides) for colonial supremacy in North America in the Seven Years' War of 1756 - 1763. In the story, the Mohican Uncas and the trapper Natty Bumppo (called "Hawkeye") attempt to free the two kidnapped daughters of Colonel Munro (the commanding officer of the fort "William Henry"), Cora and Alice, from the hands of the Hurons. The fictional story takes place against the backdrop of the true historical events surrounding the massacre after the surrender of fort “William Henry” in 1757.
Our trip to Canada in 2019 also took us to the area where this war was fought. The French fortress (or short „fort“) “Louisbourg” on Nova Scotia occupied an important, strategic position, controlling access to the St. Lawrence River - an important supply route for the French colonies. The fortress is still preserved and now serves as a tourist attraction. You can immerse yourself in the lives of the soldiers and civilian residents of the garrison at that time. The war ended after a decisive battle near the city Quebec with the defeat of France and the loss of all colonies there. However, French culture and language has persisted in this region of Canada (called Quebec). Quebec today enjoys special status in Canada as a “nation within a nation”.
Seven Years‘ War - French and British Colonies in Northern America
Fort Louisbourg
-Simplicius Simplicissimus
