HOUSE OF THE LAST CARTRIDGE

On August 31st and September^1st 1870, the Auberge Bourgerie was the scene of fierce fighting between the Bavarians and the French. This historic pilgrimage site commemorates the sacrifice of the heroic defenders of the town of Bazeilles. A troop of marines, two infantrymen and a sergeant fought to the last cartridge, fired by Captain Aubert. On the second floor, the room from which the first shot was fired remains as it was, with its walls and ceiling pierced. Survivors and Bazeillais still present after the fighting were deported. Many died in captivity or as a result of it. The sacrifice of the Bazeillais and the destruction of the town earned it the Légion d'honneur. The remains of 998 Frenchmen and 1,061 Germans have been collected in the ossuary at the communal cemetery - 63 bis rue Gambetta -, key on request at the Musée de la Dernière Cartouche.