The fort (1865-72) stands atop Pointe-Lévis, dominating the south bank of the St. Lawrence. It is the sole vestige of three such forts built to protect Quebec City against possible American attacks in the wake of the American Civil War and the Fenian Raids. The fort is composed of a series of massive earthen ramparts with a tall embankment protecting the casemates. It features a moat and vaulted tunnels leading to underground caponiers and to brick structures armed with small cannon.