The recreated
"Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur"
The Command of Capitaine d'infanterie Claude - Pierre Pécaudy, Sieur du Contrecoeur
Subaltern in Command, David Bybee
THE FRENCH MARINES…
Our living history unit is a recreation of les Compagnies franches de la Marine de Contrecoeur. A Compagnies franches de la Marine Military unit that was active at Fort du Quesne, and in New France during the French & Indian War (The Seven Years War in North America) period of New France, the 1750's. New France was the territories claimed by France in North America from 1534 until 1769.
Officially titled, Compagnie Franches de la Marine, the French Marines were independent companies of the navy, each company bearing the name of its commander. Mainly consisting of French-Canadians, the Marines garrisoned and defended the King’s forts throughout New France such as Duquesne, Niagara , and Le Boeuf. In addition Marines often accompanied exploration missions such as the Celeron Expedition through the Ohio Valley in 1749.
The French Marines were also versatile troops. They were trained in unconventional woods tactics as well as traditional European line fighting. They could also navigate the many waterways of New France by canoe or bateau. Marines often fought along side Natives, and in many cases adopted Native fighting tactics, clothing, and use of the tomahawk.
Although our unit is based in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, most of our members hail from the tri-state area of western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, with some coming from central and eastern Pennsylvania. We have members coming from the Greensburg, Johnstown, Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas of Pennsylvania, and a few from Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia.
Our living history unit is a recreation of les Compagnies franches de la Marine de Contrecoeur. A Compagnies franches de la Marine Military unit that was active at Fort du Quesne, and in New France during the French & Indian War (The Seven Years War in North America) period of New France, the 1750's. New France was the territories claimed by France in North America from 1534 until 1769.
Officially titled, Compagnie Franches de la Marine, the French Marines were independent companies of the navy, each company bearing the name of its commander. Mainly consisting of French-Canadians, the Marines garrisoned and defended the King’s forts throughout New France such as Duquesne, Niagara , and Le Boeuf. In addition Marines often accompanied exploration missions such as the Celeron Expedition through the Ohio Valley in 1749.
The French Marines were also versatile troops. They were trained in unconventional woods tactics as well as traditional European line fighting. They could also navigate the many waterways of New France by canoe or bateau. Marines often fought along side Natives, and in many cases adopted Native fighting tactics, clothing, and use of the tomahawk.
Although our unit is based in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, most of our members hail from the tri-state area of western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, with some coming from central and eastern Pennsylvania. We have members coming from the Greensburg, Johnstown, Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas of Pennsylvania, and a few from Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia.
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT…
For over twenty years, Marines du Contrecoeur has been a living history unit striving to recreate the past to educate those of the future. Our goal is to recreate the times and happenings of the French and Indian War as accurately as possible and to have lots of fun while doing it! We participate in 8 – 15 events per year both staying locally and traveling as far as Western Ohio, Upstate New York, and into Canada .
While we are a fighting unit, Soldiers are not the only ones welcome. Our Living History unit is a family affair, we embrace the Men, Women and children of our members who are looking to dress the fashion, camp for a weekend, and partake in all the fun you can’t get at home. We participate in French and Indian War Events as French Soldiers of Compagnies fanches de la Marine and their families, living and cooking in military camp setups, as the 18th century French Soldier would. Our clothing is typical of the dress of the 18th century French in New France, this even includes our children, which range in age from the very young to those middle age and older (often referred to as senior citizens). As a unit we change into our 18th century French clothing when we arrive at an event, (18th century French clothing is not an option, but is required of all members) and change back into 21st century clothing only when we leave an event. Unit members do not change into modern clothing when the public leaves.
If your interests run towards music, and you play a fife or drum, join as a musician. They not only provide the march beats for the compagnie, but also study 18th century French Music.
For over twenty years, Marines du Contrecoeur has been a living history unit striving to recreate the past to educate those of the future. Our goal is to recreate the times and happenings of the French and Indian War as accurately as possible and to have lots of fun while doing it! We participate in 8 – 15 events per year both staying locally and traveling as far as Western Ohio, Upstate New York, and into Canada .
While we are a fighting unit, Soldiers are not the only ones welcome. Our Living History unit is a family affair, we embrace the Men, Women and children of our members who are looking to dress the fashion, camp for a weekend, and partake in all the fun you can’t get at home. We participate in French and Indian War Events as French Soldiers of Compagnies fanches de la Marine and their families, living and cooking in military camp setups, as the 18th century French Soldier would. Our clothing is typical of the dress of the 18th century French in New France, this even includes our children, which range in age from the very young to those middle age and older (often referred to as senior citizens). As a unit we change into our 18th century French clothing when we arrive at an event, (18th century French clothing is not an option, but is required of all members) and change back into 21st century clothing only when we leave an event. Unit members do not change into modern clothing when the public leaves.
If your interests run towards music, and you play a fife or drum, join as a musician. They not only provide the march beats for the compagnie, but also study 18th century French Music.
As French, we only cook but the finest meals for ourselves (you will not find an English Stew here!). We always start the morning off right with the basic coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage and fruit. For lunch we usually all pitch in to have sandwiches, vegetables, and assorted snacks. The Saturday night dinner never fails to be a wonderful indulgence. If it isn't fresh Seafood Jambalaya, Roast Beef, Stuffed Chickens, or Steaks, it's a yearly traditional full course Thanksgiving Turkey Feast with all the fixings. Save room for Diane's famous home baked goodies such as the BlueBerry Buckle with berries fresh from her garden. We may also have a fire cooked apple, peach, or Berry pie too. Wash it all down with your favorite beverage of choice.
After dinner, there is never a dull moment. Wonder the fort and meet new people being involved in various activates. There may be organized colonial dancing for you to take part in. You could have an enchanting encounter with Native Americans as they perform their ritual music and séances. You could join in with the lively Canadians as they play music and all sing merrily. You could be even be more courageous and see what the boring old British are doing in their camp (enter at your own RISK!). If you are not so adventurous, many like to just relax and laugh the night away playing cards and other games around the camp fire. At some events, we may walk into town and mingle with the locals at a nearby tavern and be the entertainment as we say some choice French words to the British.
After dinner, there is never a dull moment. Wonder the fort and meet new people being involved in various activates. There may be organized colonial dancing for you to take part in. You could have an enchanting encounter with Native Americans as they perform their ritual music and séances. You could join in with the lively Canadians as they play music and all sing merrily. You could be even be more courageous and see what the boring old British are doing in their camp (enter at your own RISK!). If you are not so adventurous, many like to just relax and laugh the night away playing cards and other games around the camp fire. At some events, we may walk into town and mingle with the locals at a nearby tavern and be the entertainment as we say some choice French words to the British.
(Many opportunities to mingle with the colonists or sing with the Canadians! Fort Niagara 's French & Indian War Event 2005. Photos by Paul Meier.)