Old Town Lunenburg

Old Town Lunenburg, founded in 1753, is the best remaining example of planned British colonial settlement in North America. It was developed as a model town, with a rigid grid and wooden houses. The town grew into an important seaport and shipbuilding centre.

Lunenburg was named in honour of the King of Great Britain and Ireland, (George August of Hanover) who was also the ruler of Brunswick-Lunenburg. During the French and Indian War, several small forts which ringed the town were garrisoned by British regulars as well as by provincial troops from Massachusetts. These forts were erected to protect the town from raids by French warships and from attacks by the local Indians.

Year	Decision	Comments
2000	Name change	From "Lunenburg Old Town" to "Old Town Lunenburg"
1995	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription
1995	Deferred	Bureau - ICOMOS recommended awaiting a comparative study into colonial planned settlements. Some bureau members query value of these. Agreed to leave it to WHC!

Reviews

Connie Hake (USA):
Dissappointing? No way! We happened to be there when the Blue Nose II came "home" for repairs- what a show! The whole town (locals and tourists) was on the dock waiting for her to arrive at dusk to cheering and applause! The locals are very proud of their schooner! And she is beautiful! Next day, we boarded for a tour- free of charge! The town of Lunenburg is beautiful, peaceful and gracious. Will definitely visit again!

Date posted: January 2006

Kelly K. Henry (USA):
Lunenburg immediately made my top 10 list of WH sites visited! The site is a classically laid out British whaling town and many houses have been lovingly and colorfully restored. The town, 1.5 hrs south of Halifax can be easily walked and explored in a day. DOn't miss the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where you can observe wooden boats being made and see the history of Lunenburg. We were lucky to be there when the famous Blue Nose II was in her home port. Several reasonable motels are nearby, all with ocean and town views.

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