[Evolution of the Fort]
The village and mission of Odanak had to be fortified to protect our Abenaki allies.
The fort had to be built on elevated ground to obtain a wide view of the river, both upstream and downstream.
This has made it easier to keep an eye on the enemy and warn the colonists of attacks.
The palisade consists of wooden posts of different sizes made from different types of trees.
The posts are mounted in sections supported by larger posts, often made of pine.
The fort has four bastions and a covered way.
Inside the palisade is a chapel, the only building with a stone foundation.
Father Aubery’s house is built of squared logs.
Our allies and their families have erected several longhouses inside the fort.
These structures are made of wooden poles covered with bark.
The roofs have openings for letting out the smoke from the hearths inside.
Several families share the living space inside a longhouse.
Raised platforms serve as beds, and pits dug in the ground are used for storing food.
During the day, craftsmen can be seen going about their activities, while at night, families talk while sitting around the fire.