The Carignan-Salieres Forts of Vermont and Quebec

Sponsored by The Vermont Archaeological Society
Saturday, August 29, 2009

Join us on this fascinating international journey into 17th Century history. Your first stop is Fort Saint Anne in Isle La Motte. Built by the Carignan-Salieres regiment in 1666 and dedicated to Saint Anne, this was the first European settlement in Vermont. The island is named after the leader of the expedition, Captain La Motte. Reflecting upon Vermont’s Quadricentennial celebration, Samuel de Champlain debarked on Isle La Motte July 9, 1609!

Next, travel across the border to Fort Saint Jean, built between 1666 and 1775. It is one of the oldest permanent military facilities in North America and the site of a recent excavation directed by Professor Reginauld Auger of the University Laval in Quebec City. The fort was rebuilt several times and this excavation concentrated on the later 17th Century fort. If the excavation goes as planned, there may be some results from the excavation to report as you tour the site. Fort Saint Jean has been continually occupied since 1666 and is the core around which Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu grew.


Fort Saint-Jean on Richelieu River in Canada during the 1750s

While in Saint-Jean, you will also visit the Museum of College Millitaire. The museum’s mandate is to collect, conserve, research and display material relating to the history of the Canadian Military Regiment, its former cadets and its site, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The museum contains collections of military memorabilia and military artifacts. The site has been occupied since 1666 by different garrisons, a shipyard and a military college. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lovely grounds around the Museum.

Your next stop is at the Fort Chambly National Historic Site. Fort Chambly stands on the banks of the Richelieu River and dates from 1709. Built of local stone, it stands as an invaluable witness to the French presence in North America. Fort Chambly was the largest in a series of fortifications on the shores of what was known as the Iroquois River, now called the Richelieu River. Restored in 1983, exhibitions recounting key moments, a museum and interpretive center are presented within its walls.

Your Package Includes:

  • Tour at Fort Saint Anne
  • Visit at the archaeological dig in Saint-Jean
  • Admission to the Museum of College Millitaire in Saint-Jean
  • Admission to the Fort Chambly National Historic Site
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Knowledgeable guide service by Howard Coffin
  • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
  • Per person: 87.00

Depart: South Burlington 7:30 am
Return: South Burlington 6:30 pm

Call Notch Above Tours for reservations: 1-800-639-2367

P.O. Box 367, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
802-644-8027 ©Copyright 2009 NotchAboveTours, Inc.