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History of Nova Scotia, Canada
Journey back in time to Nova Scotia, Canada
Explore Nova Scotia, Canada! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Nova Scotia Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

"Nova Scotia is Canada’s second-smallest province (following Prince Edward Island) and is located on the southeastern coast of the country." www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
"Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland”. The province was named by Sir William Alexander who was given the land by King James VI of Scotland in 1621. Prior to its official naming, the First Nations knew it as “Mi’kma’ki”, the French called it “Acadia”, and the British were already familiar with calling the land “New Scotland”." www.nrcan.gc.ca
"Atlantic Canada (includes the Maritimes -- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island -- and Newfoundland): Primarily of British descent, the residents of the less prosperous Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada are generally more reserved, stolid, provincial and old-fashioned. Newfoundland is unique, with a dialect and culture that draws comparisons with the Irish and the people of western England." ediplomat.com
Explore even more about Nova Scotia, Canada. Keep reading!
Discover Nova Scotia: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1713 - Treaty of Utrecht gave Nova Scotia to British; Nova Scotia became British colony
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
(1755 - 1763) Great Upheaval - French Acadians transferred to other British-controlled colonies, thousands die
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1762—British population of Nova Scotia : 8,104.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1763 - French ceded Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick, St. John's Island (now Prince Edward Island) to British in the Treaty of Paris; joined to Nova Scotia
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1763 Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia was then open to emigrants, and speculation was busy with its lands. Fnnns and townships were thrown into the market, and adventurers were eager to take possession of the vacated seats of the exiled Acadians.
By the treaty of peace in 1763, this territory was confirmed to the English. The provincial government caused it to be distributed into towns and sections, and lots were offered to actual settlers on easy terms.
History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession by the Indians to the Year 1866 Author Frances Manwaring Caulkins Publisher By H.P. Haven, 1874
Nova Scotia was then open to emigrants, and speculation was busy with its lands. Fnnns and townships were thrown into the market, and adventurers were eager to take possession of the vacated seats of the exiled Acadians.
By the treaty of peace in 1763, this territory was confirmed to the English. The provincial government caused it to be distributed into towns and sections, and lots were offered to actual settlers on easy terms.
History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession by the Indians to the Year 1866 Author Frances Manwaring Caulkins Publisher By H.P. Haven, 1874
1784 - Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick became independent colonies
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1807--Population of Nova Scotia, estimated at 65,000.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1817--Population of Nova Scotia : 81,351.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1820 - Cape Breton Island rejoined Nova Scotia
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1838--Population of Nova Scotia : 202,575.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1849 - Nova Scotia first colony in British North America, British Empire to become self-governing
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1861 - Howe becomes Premier of Nova Scotia.
fccs.ok.ubc.ca/about/links/resources/canadian-history/1800-to-1867.html
fccs.ok.ubc.ca/about/links/resources/canadian-history/1800-to-1867.html
1861--Population of Nova Scotia : 330,857.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1867 - New Brunswick and Nova Scotia joined Ontario and Quebec in the new Dominion of Canada; Honourable Sir Narcisse-Fortunat Belleau appointed first lieutenant-governor; Pierre-Joseph-Oliver Chauveau became first premier
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ pqztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ pqztimeln.htm
1869 - It is said that 121 vessels were sunk or beached on the coat of new Brunswick and Nova Scotia by the recent tidal wave.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 30, 1869
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 30, 1869
1873 - The SS Atlantic, sunk near Peggy's Point, Nova Scotia, 547 killed
Nova Scotia cyclone sank over 1,000 ships, destroyed bridges, wharves, homes, churches; killed 500
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
Nova Scotia cyclone sank over 1,000 ships, destroyed bridges, wharves, homes, churches; killed 500
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1873
NOVA SCOTIA, (originally ACADIA,) a province of the Dominion of Canada, lying between 43° 25" and 47° N. lat., and between 59° 40' and 66° 25' W. lon. It consists of a long, narrow peninsula called Nova Scotia proper, and the Island of Cape Breton, which is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Canso. It is bounded N. by Northumberland Strait (which separates it from Prince Edward Island) and by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; N.E., S. and S.E., by the Atlantic Ocean; W. by the Bay of Fundy; and N. by New Brunswick, with which it is connected by an isthmus only 11 miles wide, separating the Bay of Fundy from Northumberland Strait. Greatest length from S. W. to N. E., 350 miles; greatest breadth, about 120 miles; area 21,731 square miles, equal to 13,332,003 acres.
The country is beautifully variegated by ranges of lofty hills and broad valleys, both of which run longitudinally through the province. Its Atlantic frontier, for 5 to 10 miles inland, is composed chiefly of a poor... Read MORE...
NOVA SCOTIA, (originally ACADIA,) a province of the Dominion of Canada, lying between 43° 25" and 47° N. lat., and between 59° 40' and 66° 25' W. lon. It consists of a long, narrow peninsula called Nova Scotia proper, and the Island of Cape Breton, which is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Canso. It is bounded N. by Northumberland Strait (which separates it from Prince Edward Island) and by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; N.E., S. and S.E., by the Atlantic Ocean; W. by the Bay of Fundy; and N. by New Brunswick, with which it is connected by an isthmus only 11 miles wide, separating the Bay of Fundy from Northumberland Strait. Greatest length from S. W. to N. E., 350 miles; greatest breadth, about 120 miles; area 21,731 square miles, equal to 13,332,003 acres.
The country is beautifully variegated by ranges of lofty hills and broad valleys, both of which run longitudinally through the province. Its Atlantic frontier, for 5 to 10 miles inland, is composed chiefly of a poor... Read MORE...
1891 - February 21 – Springhill, Nova Scotia, suffers a serious mining disaster.
wikipedia.org
February 21, 1891
wikipedia.org
February 21, 1891
In Nova Scotia in 1901 there were over 45,000 people of French origin, almost 10% of the total population.
The right to be educated in French and to have a French language media was a continuing struggle. Congresses met regularly, putting together an economic program and adopting political positions.
www.cbc.ca/ acadian/ timeline.html
The right to be educated in French and to have a French language media was a continuing struggle. Congresses met regularly, putting together an economic program and adopting political positions.
www.cbc.ca/ acadian/ timeline.html
1907 - First recorded flight in Canada occurred at Baddeck, Nova Scotia
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
1955 - Canso Causeway between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island completed
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ nsztimeln.htm
2023 - There's something for everyone in Nova Scotia. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this charming province:
Peggy's Cove: Start your Nova Scotia adventure at this iconic fishing village. Marvel at the picturesque lighthouse perched on granite rocks and explore the quaint shops and galleries.
Cabot Trail: Drive or hike along this breathtaking trail that winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are simply spectacular.
Annapolis Valley: Known as the province's fruit basket, this region is famous for its vineyards and orchards. Don't miss the opportunity to go wine tasting and apple picking.
Halifax: Nova Scotia's capital city is full of history and culture. Explore the historic waterfront, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and enjoy the vibrant food scene.
Lunenburg: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-preserved 18th-century British colonial town. Wander its colorful streets, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and taste some fresh seafood.
Bay of Fundy: Experience the highest tides in the world at this... Read MORE...
Peggy's Cove: Start your Nova Scotia adventure at this iconic fishing village. Marvel at the picturesque lighthouse perched on granite rocks and explore the quaint shops and galleries.
Cabot Trail: Drive or hike along this breathtaking trail that winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are simply spectacular.
Annapolis Valley: Known as the province's fruit basket, this region is famous for its vineyards and orchards. Don't miss the opportunity to go wine tasting and apple picking.
Halifax: Nova Scotia's capital city is full of history and culture. Explore the historic waterfront, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and enjoy the vibrant food scene.
Lunenburg: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-preserved 18th-century British colonial town. Wander its colorful streets, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and taste some fresh seafood.
Bay of Fundy: Experience the highest tides in the world at this... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Nova Scotia Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Nova Scotia, Canada
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