Abstract

This paper will present the results of a six-year archaeology project designed to record cultural resources in the installation corridors for new underground services at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada. Besides requiring extensive archaeological research, mitigation, and salvage, the project permitted us to reevaluate past excavation, identify undisturbed areas, and for streets, to undertake a systematic approach to the recovery of cultural remains. Although more than a quarter of the original French townsite is excavated, serious information gaps remain. Throughout the 1960s and 70s archaeology focussed on the recovery of structural data for the reconstruction program with yards and streets frequently unexcavated. Over the past six years, archaeology has provided significant new information (and 150,000 artifacts) about the 18th century town and its suburbs. In particular, three seasons devoted to the excavation of Louisbourg's principal streets provide an opportunity to analyse street features like pavé and drainage systems in a broader context than before. Most important, the use of digital technology and GIS allows us to create seamless and accurate mosaics of archaeological features excavated and removed over several years.