The last naval battle between France and England for the
possession of the North American continent occurred in 1760 in
the Bay of Chaleur. The French flotilla was made up of three
ships: the Machault, the Bienfaisant and the Marquis de Malauze,
sent from France with supplies and backup for their troops
stationed on the St. Lawrence. The English were on alert to
prevent the arrival of supplies to Quebec and upon learning of
the presence of French ships in the Restigouche estuary, the
English prepared an attack. The battle that ensued is the
subject of a national museum, the Battle of the Restigouche
National Historic Site in Pointe-à-la-Croix. This archaeological
site provides an important window onto the culture of 18th-
century North America. The Battle of the Restigouche National
Historic Site is located at the mouth of the Restigouche River,
at the far end of Chaleur Bay. An interpretation centre built in
front of the battle site exhibits the remains of an 18th-century
French frigate recovered during under