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History of Prince Edward Island, Canada
Journey back in time to Prince Edward Island, Canada
(Ile Saint-Jean)
Visit Prince Edward Island, Canada. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Prince Edward Island Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!
"Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province, making up just 0.1 per cent of Canada’s total land area. It is situated in the Gulf of St Lawrence and separated from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by the Northumberland Strait. PEI was known to its earliest settlers, the Mi’kmaq as Abegweit, meaning "cradle in the waves,” and was described by Jacques Cartier in 1534 as "the fairest land that may possibly be seen." PEI's deep red soil has always been its most striking feature and, together with the sea, the mainstay of the population since the early 18th century." thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
"The province’s earliest documented name was “Abeqweit” which was given to the area by the Mi’kmaq and meant “cradled in the waves”. It later became Ile Saint-Jean which was used by the original French settlers, the Acadians. After the Treaty of Paris ceded the island to the British in 1763, it was renamed St. John’s Island. In 1799 the English declared that the island would be called Prince Edward Island in honour of the Duke of Kent and Strathearn, Prince Edward." 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
There is MUCH more to discover about Prince Edward Island, Canada. Read on!
Prince Edward Island Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Postcard
 - A pretty view, Victoria Park, Charlottetown, P. E. Island.){kind=small}
A pretty view, Victoria Park, Charlottetown, P. E. Island.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Postcard
 - Murray River, P.E.I.
A Shore View near Montague, P.E.I.){kind=small}
Murray River, P.E.I.
A Shore View near Montague, P.E.I.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Postcard
 - Rustico Beach, Prince Edward Island){kind=small}
Rustico Beach, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Artwork
 - Warren's Farm, Rocky Point, P.E.I.
Concise School Atlas of the Dominion of Canada: Historical and Physical Features of Provinces, Districts, and Territories of the Dominion by Canada Dept. of the Interior, 1900){kind=small}
Warren's Farm, Rocky Point, P.E.I.
Concise School Atlas of the Dominion of Canada: Historical and Physical Features of Provinces, Districts, and Territories of the Dominion by Canada Dept. of the Interior, 1900
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Map
 - www.freeusandworldmaps.com){kind=small}
www.freeusandworldmaps.com
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Photo taken by us
 - Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island){kind=small}
Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Photo taken by us
 - Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island, looking toward Confederation Bridge){kind=small}
Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island, looking toward Confederation Bridge
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Discover Prince Edward Island: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1749--French population of St. John Island (Prince Edward) : 1,000.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1755 - Acadians settled French colony, Ile Saint-Jean, after British-ordered explusion of Nova Scotia
(www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm)
1755—Before the proscription of September.
French population of St. John Island (Prince Edward) 3,000
After the proscription.
French population of St. John Island (Prince Edward) 3,500
(www.statcan.gc.ca/ )
(www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm)
1755—Before the proscription of September.
French population of St. John Island (Prince Edward) 3,000
After the proscription.
French population of St. John Island (Prince Edward) 3,500
(www.statcan.gc.ca/ )
1758 - British seized control of Ile Saint-Jean, French setlers deported
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
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
1769 - Ile Saint-Jean established as separate colony, Charlottetown became capital
Prince Edward Island, Ile St-Jean/ St John's Island separated from Nova Scotia.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
Prince Edward Island, Ile St-Jean/ St John's Island separated from Nova Scotia.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1798 - Great Britain renamed colony to Prince Edward Island
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1803 - Scottish immigrants settled on Prince Edward Island
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1806--Population of Prince Edward Island, so named in 1798-1800 : 9,676.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
(1813 - 1815) Numerous settlements attacked by plagues of mice (PEI)
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1833--Population of Prince Edward Island, estimated at 32,292.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1851: A telegraph cable was laid to Prince Edward Island.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website
1871--Population of Prince Edward Island : 94,021.
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.statcan.gc.ca
1873
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, formerly called ST. JOHNS ISLAND, a Province of the Dominion of Canada, situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, between 46° and 47° 7 N. lat., and 62° and 64° 27: W. Ion. It is washed by the Gulf on the N. and separated by Northumberland Strait from New Brunswick on the E. and Nova Scotia on the S. Greatest length 130 miles; breadth, 34 miles in its narrowest part, near the centre, it is only 4 miles wide. Area, 2,134 miles, or 1,363,760 acres. The coast line presents a remarkable succession of large bays and projecting headlands. Of the latter the most prominent are North Cape en the N.W., West Cape on the S.W., and East Cape on the N.E.; the largest hays are those of Richmond on the N.W , Egmont on the S.W., Hillsborough on the S , and Cardigan on the E. These bays, by penetrating into the land from opposite directions, form narrow isthmuses which make a natural division of the Island into three distinct peninsulas. This natural division has been adopted as the... Read MORE...
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, formerly called ST. JOHNS ISLAND, a Province of the Dominion of Canada, situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, between 46° and 47° 7 N. lat., and 62° and 64° 27: W. Ion. It is washed by the Gulf on the N. and separated by Northumberland Strait from New Brunswick on the E. and Nova Scotia on the S. Greatest length 130 miles; breadth, 34 miles in its narrowest part, near the centre, it is only 4 miles wide. Area, 2,134 miles, or 1,363,760 acres. The coast line presents a remarkable succession of large bays and projecting headlands. Of the latter the most prominent are North Cape en the N.W., West Cape on the S.W., and East Cape on the N.E.; the largest hays are those of Richmond on the N.W , Egmont on the S.W., Hillsborough on the S , and Cardigan on the E. These bays, by penetrating into the land from opposite directions, form narrow isthmuses which make a natural division of the Island into three distinct peninsulas. This natural division has been adopted as the... Read MORE...
1880s - Shipbuilding indsutry collapsed, thousands of islanders migrated to find work
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1908 - Automobiles banned from Island roads (PEI)
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1917 - All roads opened to auto traffic (PEI)
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
1924 - Driving on the right side of the road went into effect (PEI)
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ province/ peiztimeln.htm
2023 - PEI has something to offer everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this charming province:
1. Explore Charlottetown:
Start your journey in the capital city of Charlottetown, where you can stroll along the historic waterfront, visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and explore Victoria Row with its charming shops and restaurants.
2. Anne of Green Gables Museum:
PEI is famously associated with the beloved literary character Anne Shirley. Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Cavendish to learn about the author Lucy Maud Montgomery and her iconic character.
3. Green Gables Heritage Place:
While in Cavendish, make sure to explore Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired the setting for the Anne of Green Gables novels. The picturesque landscapes here are a must-see.
4. Sand Dunes and Beaches:
PEI boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada. Don't miss out on Cavendish Beach, Brackley Beach, and Greenwich Beach, where you can relax, swim, and even take guided tours to learn about the unique ecosystems.
5. Confederation Trail:
If... Read MORE...
1. Explore Charlottetown:
Start your journey in the capital city of Charlottetown, where you can stroll along the historic waterfront, visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and explore Victoria Row with its charming shops and restaurants.
2. Anne of Green Gables Museum:
PEI is famously associated with the beloved literary character Anne Shirley. Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Cavendish to learn about the author Lucy Maud Montgomery and her iconic character.
3. Green Gables Heritage Place:
While in Cavendish, make sure to explore Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired the setting for the Anne of Green Gables novels. The picturesque landscapes here are a must-see.
4. Sand Dunes and Beaches:
PEI boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada. Don't miss out on Cavendish Beach, Brackley Beach, and Greenwich Beach, where you can relax, swim, and even take guided tours to learn about the unique ecosystems.
5. Confederation Trail:
If... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Prince Edward Island Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Prince Edward Island, Canada
We currently have information about 138 ancestors who were born or died in Prince Edward Island.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Genealogy Resources for Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Baptism Card Index, 1721-1885Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website
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