[citation needed] During the American Civil War, Great Britain remained neutral in the conflict.

The tense political relationship between Austria and Prussia also worried the British about the supply of timber if trade in the Baltic Sea was cut off.

He recommended that detached forts be built on Point Lévy, on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River to guard the approaches to Quebec City, a major port.

None of the forts were ever garrisoned as the fear of American invasion had abated following the signing of the Treaty of Washington in 1871.

[2] The casemates of the polygonal fort feature exhibits about the history of the site, and include a multimedia presentation, scale models, period illustrations, interactive games, and antique tools and materials.