History of Tracadie, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

HALIFAX, N.S., Nov. 8. Four years ago James Bowie, a French youth of 17 years, shot and killed a farmer named Donald McDonald at Tracadie, Antigonish county. The murder was deliberate and cold blooded and was the result of a family dispute over a piece of land. Bowie's father stood by at the time of the murder and prompted the boy to the deed. The youth escaped to the United States, and all trace of him was for a time lost. Recently information was received from East Cambridge, Mass, that the Chief of Police there had under surveilance a young man supposed to be James Bowie. The case was taken in hand by the authorities here, with the result that the suspected party was arrested in East Cambridge this morning. The accused gives the name of Pitts, and denies all knowledge of the crime with which he is charged. The Dominion and the United States authorities are now in correspondence on the case, and the necessary papers asking for extradition will be forwarded from Nova Scotia. Bowie's...

St. John, N. B., April 28. - The trappist monastery at Tracadie, N. S., is soon to be removed to a far near Cumberland, R. I., and the farm at Tracadie abandoned. It was established in 1814. It was founded by members after the house in France was broken up by the Emperor, Napoleon. There are twenty-five monks at Tracadie. The discipline is rigorous. Bread and water constitutes their diet, eleven hours a day are spent in prayer, and the members are prohibited from speaking to one another.

The precise date of Tracadie's founding is unknown. One of the best sources of estimation are the notes of Edme Rameau de Saint-Pere, a French writer who visited Tracadie in 1860 (as well as the other principal Acadian settlements of Nova Scotia), in order to gather material for a history of the Acadians.

Rameau interviewed Captain Joseph Girrior (c 1788-1866), one of the oldest and probably the most prominent Acadian of the parish at the time. From this interview, Rameau concluded there were a number of different settlers spread out over a period of time.

Girrior's parents came to Tracadie in 1782. There were already four families established at the shoreline. The Benoit family was the first to arrive -- 10 years before the Girriors. About four or five years later, came the Bonnevie dit Beaumont (Bonvies and Bowmans), Jacquet dit Deslauriers (Deloreys) and the Fougeres (who later moved to Havre Boucher).

When the Girouards (Girriors) arrived in 1782, they brought with them...

Tracadie Beach: Start your visit with a trip to Tracadie Beach. This sandy shoreline along the Northumberland Strait is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and picnicking. The warm waters make it a great spot for a refreshing dip.

Cycling and Hiking: Tracadie offers excellent cycling and hiking opportunities. There are scenic trails like the Tracadie Coastal Trails, which provide beautiful views of the coastline and are suitable for all skill levels.

Fishing: Nova Scotia is famous for its fishing, and Tracadie is no exception. Whether you're into freshwater or saltwater fishing, there are plenty of spots to cast your line. You can try your luck at catching mackerel, bass, or trout.

Golfing: Golf enthusiasts can head to the Tracadie-Sheila Golf & Country Club, which offers a challenging 18-hole course with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Historic Sites: Explore the area's rich history by visiting the Tracadie United Church, a beautiful heritage...