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
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Les Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur

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.

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.

    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.  

(Many opportunities to mingle with the colonists or sing with the Canadians! Fort Niagara 's French & Indian War Event 2005. Photos by Paul Meier.)

  All members must furnish and own their own personal 18th century French clothing and equipment. This includes: uniform and other clothing, equipment, tents, French muskets (rifles are not suitable and will not be allowed), and leather gear all of which must meet Compagnies franches de la Marine standards.  All women, children and camp followers which participate with the unit must also be dressed in the proper 18th century French women's clothing. For new members, some items may be borrowed from time to time by other members of the Compagnie, until they are obtained. See Clothing Requirements Section for more details.

(Left: Fort Niagara 's French & Indian War Event 2005. Photo by Paul Meier.)

In the past our unit has participated in F & I War Battle Re-enactments and Living History French & Indian War events held at various historic sites and fort sites. Some of which include:

Fort Fredrick, French & Indian War Event, Big Pool, MD
Fort Fredrick, Governor's Fire Lock Matches, Big Pool, MD
Fort Le Bouf, French & Indian War Event 98, Waterford, PA
Fort Ligonier, Fort Ligonier Days (for over twenty years), Ligonier, PA
Fortress Louisbourg, Grand Encampment, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Fort Loudon, F & I War Tactical Event, Fort Loudon, PA
Fort Meigs, French & Indian War Event, Fort Meigs, OH
Fort Necessity, Living History at Fort Necessity, Farmington, PA.
Fort Niagara, French & Indian War Encampment at Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY
Fort Pitt Colonial Fair, Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
Fort Pitt, F & I War Re-enactments at Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh, PA.
Fort Ticonderoga, F & I War Grand Encampment, Ticonderoga, NY
Fort Ticonderoga, Battle on Snowshoes, Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY
Jumonville, Jumonville Glen / Braddock's Road, Jumonville Center, Uniontown PA
Brig Niagara, Erie Maritime Museum, F & I War Living History Event, Erie, PA
Shades of Death, F & I War Living History, Somerset Historical Center, Somerset, PA
Old Stone House Museum, F & I War Event, Slipperyrock, PA
Penn's Colony Colonial Fair, North Park, Pittsburgh, PA.

Penn's Colony Colonial Fair, Saxonburg, PA.

Many others...

HOW WE FUNCTION...

New members / recruits are always welcome and encouraged.  New recruits start in a probationary period usually lasting 12-24 months in order to get the necessary full French Marine Military uniform, gear and supplies. To participate in events you will be required to have the basis mid-18th century French clothing, consisting of Shirt, Breeches, and Waistcoat.  The wifes and children of recruits are also welcome and play an active part in our unit, they must also wear authentic French clothing appropriate to the mid-18th century Canadian frontier.

    An adult family member is required to participate with as a member of the unit and be fully responsible for any member under the age of 16. No one under 16 years of age will be admitted as a member without an adult family member also being a member.  Members must be at least 16 years of age to carry a musket, fire it, (at some historic sites the age limit is 18 years of age) and then, only after receiving proper training in handling a musket, safety training and after learning the manual of arms. New adult members must also undergo musket training, safety training and learn the manual of arms, before going on the field. Training is provided all members in the safe handling of all firearms.
 All safety regulations must be followed at all times by all members of the unit.

There is one regular annual meeting, and others are called at events as required. We participate in on an average eight major French & Indian War events each year. We also participate in several additional smaller events. The Event schedule is discussed each year at the annual meeting. All possible events are considered and voted on by the membership at the annual meeting. Members are asked to attend as many of the scheduled events as possible. Our annual dues are $15.00 per camp follower and $25 per musket user (subject to change) per year / per adult (18 or older), payable at the annual meeting. 

For more information about the processes, rules, and how our unit works, please request a copy of the unit By-Laws. All new members will receive a copy. 

  We also on occasion have special adventures such as canoe trips, ship rides, movie shoots, and war games such as "Capture the Flag", F&I style of course!

Events are normally Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. 

Members of Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur  relax on the last evening of the Grand Encampment 99, at Fortress Louisbourg, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada before packing and leaving for home.

WHY JUST READ ABOUT HISTORY, WHEN YOU CAN LIVE IT!    

    If you enjoy the out-of-doors, camping, historic sites, firing a musket, American history and good old-fashion fellowship, then why not relive a fascinating period of American history by joining Les Compagnies franches de la Marine du Contrecoeur.  By sending your name, address, and phone number to the address below, you will begin your journal into the 18th century. If you would like any other information about joining our Living History Group, or contracting for an event,  please feel free to write to our Commanding officer whose address is listed below.