Berceau de l’Acadie – Cradle of Acadie
A list of sites germane to the birthplace of Acadie in Nova Scotia
Places
La Vieille Maison
Meteghan, Nova Scotia
La Vieille Maison a été construite en 1796. D’après les résultats des recherches de William C. Wonders publiées en 1979, elle est l’exemple le mieux préservé des habitations que les Acadiens ont construites au Canada après l’exil. En 1958, Adolphe Robicheau en a fait un musée consacré au retour des Acadiens.
Musée Église Sainte-Marie
Church Point, Nova Scotia
Église Sainte-Marie, is located in Church Point next to the Université Sainte-Anne campu...
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia
- Built in 1605, Port-Royal was the first successful European settlement north of St. Augustine, Florida. It was in use for only eight years.
- Membertou – chief of the Mi’kmaq nation, and his people welcomed settlers and helped them survive in their new environment
- Rebuilding the Habitation at Port-Royal in 1939 was the Canadian government’s first large-scale reconstruction project, greatly assisted by Samuel do Champlain’s early 17th century drawings and written descriptions.
Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia
Walk a loop trail to reach a viewpoint overlooking the remains of the Melanson Settlement.
Charles Fort National Historic Site
Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia
Charles Fort marks where the colony that would become Nova Scotia got its start in 1629.
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
- Fort Anne is in the historic town of Annapolis Royal, which served as the capital of Nova Scotia until 1749 and is among the most fought-over pieces of land on the continent.
- Thirteen battles took place on the grounds at Fort Anne and it changed hands seven times.
- The fort is built in a traditional, star-shaped plan: Raised earth bastions at four corners allowed defenders to repel invaders.
- Visitors to the fort enjoy panoramic views of the Annapolis River, a mosaic of hills, pastures, and historic homes.
Bloody Creek National Historic Site
Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Two circles of land mark the sites of two battles, which took place in 1711 and 1757
Fort McNab National Historic Site
McNabs Island, Nova Scotia
- Construction began on Fort McNab in 1888 and was finished in 1892. The fort marked a new chapter in Halifax’s history as one of the British Empire’s, and subsequently Canada’s, most significant naval stations during the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Fort McNab was Halifax’s first fort to have swift-acting breech-loading armament.
- Between the 1880s and the 1940s, Fort McNab served as a gun battery and stood as the Gatekeeper of Halifax Harbour.
Georges Island National Historic Site
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Georges Island’s strategic location in the heart of Halifax Harbour helped protect one of the key naval stations of the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries
- Fort Charlotte was first built in 1798 by command of Prince Edward
Fort Edward National Historic Site
Windsor, Nova Scotia
- Fort Edward is home to Canada’s oldest surviving blockhouse, built in 1750. Commonplace in 18th-century Canada, these wooden two-story defensive structures housed soldiers and provided protection from arrows and small arms.
- Fort Edward originally comprised a blockhouse, barracks, powder magazine, and other buildings, all protected by a wooden palisade. Today, the original blockhouse and two cannons remain, surrounded by earthen fortifications.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
Grand Pré, Nova Scotia
Discover powerful Acadian stories within a picturesque landscape. Successes and struggles
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Nova Scotia
– This breathtaking site brings you back to French colonial life between 1713 and 1758. First home to the Mi’kmaw people, the 18th century brought French, Basque, German, English, Irish, Scottish, and African people to its shores. Immerse yourself in this diverse history as you explore a beautiful coastal landscape. Take in the looming fortifications, heritage gardens, and elegant homes of the reconstruction. Then, wander original 18th century ruins for a full experience of the past come to life.
– Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Depending on the season, most visitors plan to spend four hours here.
– Costumed animators, 18th century-style buildings, exhibits, and trails offer unforgettable experiences for all travellers
· Marie Marguerite Rose is the first free Black businesswoman on record in Canada’s history. She was enslaved in Guinea, Africa, and sold to a merchant in 18th century Louisbourg. After 19 years, she was released from slavery and opened an inn and tavern. Visit the plaque commemorating her story and a recreated inventory of her possessions.
· Two defining battles in Canada’s history took place here in 1745 and 1758, involving the French, English, Acadian, and Mi’kmaw peoples. Imagine yourself there as you smell the black powder during the daily French artillery demonstration which peaks with a booming cannon firing (July to mid-September).
· Louisbourg is the site of the first observatory in Canada. The dark skies over the Fortress make it the perfect place to stargaze 300 years later, when you spend the night through our Wake Up in the Past programs (June to mid-October).
Road Map
Meteghan, Nova Scotia to Nova Scotia
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