This is a reconstruction of the 17th century French compound. It was one of the earliest European settlements in North America.

In 1603, King Henri IV of France granted Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons a fur trade monopoly for a large area in North America on the condition to establish colonies there.

In 1604, Sieur de Mons led a settlement to Saint Croix Island in the Saint Croix River between Main and New Brunswick. A severe winter and lack of provisions led to the death of almost half the colonists.

In the spring of 1605, accompanied by explorer Samuel de Champlain, de Mons undertook a voyage south to find a better location. On Champlain's recommendation, they settled the beautiful, sheltered harbour of Port Royal. It was here they started to build their new settlement.