 These monuments are still frequently visited by the French and are the site of events such as a memorial ceremony on Bastille Day each year, mass to Pere Receveur and Laperouse Day.In 1831 the watchtower was acquired by the Customs Department to house a tide waiter, or customs officer, and two boatmen who manned the La Perouse customs house outstation.By 1869, in response to the perceived threat of armed attack by foreign forces, a program to bolster the colony's defences was in place and a military road was constructed to the La Perouse headland.