French & Indian War: Louisbourg Under Siege

June 8-July 26, 1758 - British forces conduct the Siege of Louisbourg. Captured by colonial American forces in 1745, the fortress of Louisbourg was returned to France at the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. With the outbreak of the French & Indian War, the British realized that Louisbourg would need to be retaken in order for a campaign to proceed against Quebec. Sailing in late May 1758, a British force led by Major General Jeffrey Amherst (right) and Admiral Edward Boscawen approached the city. Landing on June 8, against enemy opposition, British forces led by Brigadier General James Wolfe secured the beaches allowing Amherst's main body to come ashore. Approaching the town, the British laid siege and began reducing its defenses. After the French warships in the harbor were eliminated and with the defenses in shambles, the garrison surrendered on July 26.

Photograph Source: Public Domain