ABSTRACT
The Fortifications of Montreal 1717-1744:
Development and Implementation of the Plan
Monique Poirier
1991
Montreal evolved as a fortified town during the French
Regime. Its first fortification, a cedar palisade erected between 1686 and 1689, was the
precursor to the stone-faced ramparts built from 1717 to 1744 under the direction of the
French military engineer, Chaussegros de Léry. This study focuses on the origins, the
development and implementation of Chaussegros' plan.
The evolution of the plan is considered in the light of
four issues. First, a study of the contemporary strategic context explains Montreal's role
as a military headquarters establishing why the town was fortified. Second, tracing the
evolution of the fortifications from the construction of the palisade through to
Chaussegros' plan reveals that the ramparts were integrated into the urban fabric
following precedents established by previous military engineers. Third, the impact of
military considerations on the development of Montreal is evaluated. Finally, an analysis
of Chaussegros' plan shows that he followed precepts established by the foremost French
military engineer of the seventeenth century, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707).
A cursory analysis of budget and labour explains how the plan was implemented and why the
fortifications of Montreal were built over a period of thirty years.
Although simple in plan, Montreal's ramparts were built
according to contemporary principles of fortification. In their elaboration, Chaussegros
considered global strategy, existing urban features, topography and contemporary military
theory.
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