Spring at Fort Edward Augustus, 1762
2640 S Webster Ave
Green Bay, WI 54301
USA
In the year of 1762, spring had returned to La Baye and changes had arrived with the previous autumn arrival of Ensign James Gorrell of His Majesty’s 60th Foot Royal American Regiment (The Royal Americans) and his small detachment of 15 privates, one corporal and one sergeant. Also accompanying the detachment were two English fur traders, Messr. McKay and James Stanley Goddard, and one language interpreter. After the French capitulated to the British in 1760, the British were now in control of the Pays d’en haut (the upper country). Under orders of Captain Belfour, they left Fort Michilimackinac in a small brigade of bateaus arriving at La Baye on October 12, 1761. The old French fort was repaired and renamed Fort Edward Augustus, which was located on the west side of the Fox River near the confluence of La Baye des Puants (“bay of bad odors”). Gorrell’s small company garrisoned the Fort providing control over the local french fur traders and the two Menominee Indian villages that existed on both sides of the river. The fur trade continued in earnest and Gorrell was challenged in maintaining a peaceful presence in the region. Their time at Fort Edward Augustus was short-lived when his detachment was called back to Fort Michilimackinac in June of 1763 to defend the uprising of Chief Pontiac. After their exodus, the region saw no more British soldiers until the War of 1812.
The Redcoats in Green Bay reenactment and living history group portrays the Royal American Regiment’s sojourn at Fort Edward Augustus.
- Witness the daily activities of the British soldiers including, the morning flag raising ceremony, call to order, marching and drilling, firing their firelocks to keep the company well prepared for any conflicts between the Native Americans and the French fur traders at La Baye.
- You will see how the soldiers cleaned their firelocks, made their cartridges and cast lead into balls.
- Daily routines in the spring included preparing and planting the garden, making repairs to the fort, harvesting firewood and hunting game for food.
- Listen to their stories fighting the French in the French and Indian War; and how their small company made one of their final garrisons together before they were disbanded.
- In late May, the voyageurs arrived with trade goods for the clerks to barter with the myriad of Native Americans that have come out of their winter hunting camps with furs, maple sugar, handwoven baskets and other trade items.
- Experience first hand an 18th century encampment in this remote region of what the French called Pays d’en Haut.
Tram service will be offered throughout the weekend.
General admission applies and may be purchased day-of.
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