|
|
The paving stones of La Rochelle have a story of their own. The white stones to the left are typical of the region. Those to the right come from far away -- Québec, to be precise. When New France was first settled in the early 1600's, hammers, axes, anvils, ploughs were shipped from here to build the new land. Ships returning were loaded with valuable furs which weighed far less than the cargo going west across the Atlantic. Boats returning thus needed extra ballast to keep them properly afloat. These stones served that purpose first, but here they were quickly converted into pavement. Long before Lafayette, America was paying another kind tribute to France! |
First
Previous
Next
LastPlease send e-mail to Michael Lastinger to provide feedback about this page.
This page last updated on 6/19/2001 8:18:33 PM.