Fort de l'Est

Fort de l'Est, located in Saint-Denis, is a military fortification with a storied past and a significant role in the defense of Paris. Constructed between 1841 and 1843, it was part of the larger Thiers fortification system, designed to protect the French capital from potential invasions. This fort, along with fifteen other detached forts, formed an integral part of a massive defensive belt that spanned 33 kilometers, featuring 17 forts, 94 bastions, and numerous other defensive structures.

The History of Fort de l'Est

The construction of Fort de l'Est began in 1840, even before the finance law of 1841 allocated 140 million francs for the project's completion. The fort, named after the then Prime Minister Louis-Philippe I, was built by a workforce of nearly 25,000 laborers. Despite its robust design, the rapid evolution of artillery technology soon rendered these fortifications obsolete. By 1882, discussions were already underway about decommissioning the fort, spearheaded by Deputy Martin Nadaud.

In 1919, the fort was ceded to the Paris municipality for 100 million francs. Over the years, the fort has seen various uses and modifications. In 1953, the non-building zone was abolished, and in 1963, the fort's northern bastion was removed to make way for the construction of the A1 motorway, which now offers a clear view of the fort. Despite these changes, the fort remains an active military site, housing numerous reservists and serving as the headquarters for the National Federation of Reserve Non-Commissioned Officers.

Significant Events at Fort de l'Est

Fort de l'Est has been the site of several significant historical events. In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, French soldiers stationed at the fort fired shells at the town of Stains, which was occupied by Prussian forces. This bombardment caused considerable damage to the town's church and demolished its castle. Despite their efforts, Prussian troops eventually occupied the fort, a moment captured in a photograph from the era.

In 1872, the fort gained further recognition when Jules Bonhomme, the chaplain of the barracks, published his memoirs titled Souvenirs du Fort de l'Est, près Saint-Denis. Carnet d'un aumônier de l'armée de Paris, 1870-1871. On August 9, 1918, during World War I, a shell fired by the Pariser Kanonen exploded at the fort. Later, on August 25, 1944, the German garrison occupying the fort evacuated it during the liberation of Paris.

Post-World War II, the fort served various purposes. In 1945, it temporarily housed the State Security Court and part of the SHA archives. In 1946, a passage from the memoirs of a resistant priest, Paul Parguel, mentions his arrest and internment in the fort's powder magazine by French forces allied with the Nazis. In 1958, following France's ratification of NATO standardization agreements, the Inter-Army Bureau of Material Codification (BICM) was established at the fort. During the Algerian War in 1962, a military tribunal held sessions at the fort, and Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry, a conspirator of the OAS, was tried and sentenced to death there.

Modern-Day Fort de l'Est

In the early 2000s, the Salvation Army Foundation opened 150 beds within the fort, providing shelter to 18,000 people in 2002 alone. In 2009, a village of temporary houses was erected on the fort's grounds to accommodate around twenty Romani families previously living in the André-Campra shantytown in La Plaine.

Today, the fort is a blend of historical significance and contemporary utility. It still serves military purposes, with various units stationed there and numerous reservists receiving training. Additionally, the fort houses the archives related to insubordination during World War I and several unclassified documents from former garrison libraries. The glacis of the fort is partially occupied by community gardens, immortalized by photographer Patrick Zachmann in 1994.

Exploring Fort de l'Est

Visitors to Fort de l'Est can immerse themselves in its rich history and appreciate its strategic importance in the defense of Paris. The fort's architecture, with its robust stone walls and strategic placement, offers a glimpse into mid-19th century military engineering. The surrounding area, including the nearby Canal Saint-Denis and the bustling A1 motorway, provides a stark contrast between the historical and the modern.

While access to the fort's interior may be restricted due to its continued military use, the exterior and the surrounding grounds are a testament to its enduring legacy. The fort stands as a monument to the resilience and strategic foresight of those who built it, and its ongoing use ensures that it remains a living part of France's military heritage.

In conclusion, Fort de l'Est is not just a relic of the past but a dynamic part of the present, bridging the gap between history and modernity. Its walls have witnessed countless stories of bravery, conflict, and resilience, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you're drawn by its historical significance or its architectural grandeur, a visit to Fort de l'Est promises to be a memorable journey through time.