Casemates

The Casemates are a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of their historical associations, and architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

The Casemates at Lévis Forts National Historic Site of Canada are one of the best examples of a building associated with “Lévis, A Sentinel of Québec”, a historic theme that implicitly refers to the military role that Québec played in the defence of Canada. The Pointe Lévy fortification has both a political and strategic context. Fort No.1 at Lévis, whose construction coincided with the period of Canada’s Confederation, was part of a defensive strategy aimed at thwarting any attempted American invasion, which posed a threat to the integrity of Canada’s territory during this period.

Architectural Value

The Casemates are an excellent example of military engineering. Its essentially functional architecture is in keeping with the military tradition of using fill from the terreplein or rampart to erect structures that could withstand artillery bombardment. Building materials and techniques were chosen on the basis of strict principles. The structure is an important contribution of W.F. Drummond Jervois, a British Royal Engineer and a well-known fortification designer, to the concept of detached forts. Examples of his work are also found in the Portsmouth, England area.

Environmental Value

The Casemates reinforce the military character of its semi-rural setting at Lévis Forts National Historic Site of Canada and is a familiar structure to visitors and those who work at the site.