The history of Fort Saint-Jean
A History Larger Than Life
Since the construction of the very first Fort Saint-Jean around 1666, the site has been shaped by the successive battles that have forged our collective history over time.
Its history is closely tied to several significant events. The Corporation du Fort St-Jean is dedicated to preserving this exceptional historical and cultural heritage, which was designated a National Historic Site of Canada (NHSC) in 1923.
Construction of the First Fort
The first Fort Saint-Jean was built by the French Carignan-Salières regiment.
It was part of a network of five forts erected along the Richelieu River to counter
Iroquois attacks. This led to the signing of the Franco-Iroquois Peace Treaty in 1667,
before being abandoned.
Reconstruction of a Fort
To support the Saint-Frédéric and Carillon forts located on Lake Champlain,
the fort was rebuilt on the site in 1748. As British troops approached, the French
abandoned the fort by burning it in 1760. It was then occupied by a detachment of
British soldiers until the beginning of the American War of Independence.
First British Fort
During the American Revolution, the first British fort took shape on the site.
Besieged for 45 days by General Montgomery’s forces, this fort played a key role
in countering the American advance.
Shipyard
Construction of the fourth Fort Saint-Jean and a shipyard. The fleet assembled at Saint-Jean confronted and destroyed the American fleet on Lake Champlain.
Rebellions of 1837-1838
Following the 1837 uprising, new fortifications were built on the site of the fort.
The military complex is associated with a period of commercial growth in the town of Saint-Jean. Its buildings served as a garrison and supply depot.
Opening of RMC Saint-Jean
Official opening of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Active for nearly 43 years, it became the first and only bilingual military university in Canada, allowing the attainment of a second lieutenant rank.
Birth of the Corpo
The population of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu protested against the closure of the RMC Saint-Jean. The Corporation du Fort Saint-Jean was created under the name
“Campus of Fort Saint-Jean” to preserve the site and continue its educational mission.
Reopening of the RMC Saint-Jean
The preparatory year and the first college year are offered here. The students
are then transferred to the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, where they
complete their studies.
350th Anniversary of the City
of Saint-Jean
The festivities commemorate the beginning of the settlement of our territory (1666).
This significant year highlighted our history, pride, and achievements.
University Status
The Royal Military College Saint-Jean officially regains its university status.
Remnants of interest
Several remnants bear witness to the past of the NHSC Fort Saint-Jean and contribute to the heritage value of this majestic site. Among them, we note:
- Its location overlooking the Richelieu River.
- The remains of the second fort erected in 1748, including its southwest bastion, parts of the masonry foundations of the northeast bastion, sections of the trench of the north curtain wall’s palisade, and a pit located further west.
- A section of the palisade trench of the curtain wall that has been discovered, along with a collection of artifacts showing the fort’s historical use.
- The remnants of the 1776 fort, comprising the earthen ramparts surrounding the site, and a tar pit crossing the disused part of the defensive ditch of the southern redoubt associated with the 1776 fort, also discovered.
- The viewpoints on the Richelieu River from the fort.
- The in-situ archaeological remains of both forts and the siege, in their original locations, shapes, and materials, as well as artifacts removed from these sites in an intact and documented state.
Source: Parks Canada Directory of Federal Heritage Designations
