Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Fort Coteau-du-Lac" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada 32c Fort Coteau-du-Lac stamp issued June 30, 1983. As the vast Canadian frontier was gradually explored and settled, fortresses sprang up in the New World, both to accommodate trappers and settlers who worked in the wilderness and to give military protection to trading operations. One fort built to protect vital trade operations in Canada is Fort Coteau-du-Lac. It is situated at the junction of the Eelisle and St. Lawrence Rivers and it protected essential supplies stored in the vicinity. In addition, the fortress guarded the first canal built on the St. Lawrence River ... a canal which was vital to the transport of supplies. Later, during the War of 1812, the British military erected elaborate fortifications to protect the strategically important waterway and storage depot which stood at the juncture of the two rivers. However, once the war was over, Fort Coteau-du-Lac became a center for civilian trade and was renovated in 1824-26. Today, this historic military and trading fort is a well-known National Historic Park in Canada which features an impressive interpretive display in its reconstructed octagonal blockhouse. Image Size: 19.25 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 23 x 20 in. Unframed. (B08158)