Saint John Fortifications

Goose Lane Editions joins forces with the Military and Strategic Studies Program at the University of New Brunswick in an exciting new initiative. As part of the New Brunswick Military Heritage Project, a series of lively illustrated books will showcase the province's military past. Written by historians and military personnel, they will explore subjects ranging from New Brunswick's pivotal role in the American Revolution to one veteran's account of caring for World War I cavalry horses. Replete with period drawings, paintings, and photos, as well as archival and contemporary maps, they will also serve as informative guides to important histories sites. For Fall 2003, we are proud to launch the first two books in this exciting new series. Saint John, always an important gateway to Canada, is one of the oldest fortified sites in the country. "Saint John Fortifications, 16307ndash; 1956 traces the history of the port's defences, from Fort La Tour, built in 1632, to the 20th-century installations built as protection from German invasion. The 18th-century Fortress Saint John included old forts and new batteries at Lower Cove and Partridge Island. It was strengthened during all the conflicts that have shaped Canada--wars with France and the United States, the American Civil War, and the two World Wars--with each new defence system incorporating the old. Although the last of the modern installations on Partridge Island was disabled in 1956, many sites still contain substantial reminders of their past strength.