Annapolis Royal

Today we toured some of the historic areas around Annnapolis Royal. Over time, it became the first capital of Nova Scotia. Later the capital was moved to Halifax where it remains today.

The compound or habitation as the Canadians call it, is named Port Royal. This place was the site of the first French settlement in 1605 and was one of the earliest European settlements on this continent. Mi’kmaq (native) people lived along these shores for centuries and it was here that the French and Mi’kmaq formed an enduring friendship and alliance. The Habitation survived until 1613 when it was destroyed in an attack by Capt. Agall of Virginia. This is a view from one of the gun ports. These guns were never fired in anger, only as a signal.

We looked at the different rooms of the workers who lived in the Habitation. Only men were included in the initial settlement which had several purposes including fur trade (beaver) and exploration. Guides went over the history of the group and demonstrated various aspects of their lives. This was one of the guides dressed in period costume. Note the wooden shoes-he said they are comfortable!

Next we toured Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. Situated strategically on 2 rivers and near the Bay of Fundy , the French and British in turn had their colonial capitals here. It was one of the most hotly contested territories in North America, enduring alternating sieges and attacks from the French and the British seeking control of the continent.

The earthworks of the fort are in the star shape, similar to other forts we have toured such as Ft McHenry in Baltimore. Fort Anne is the oldest national historic site in Canada, designated in 1917. This gunpowder magazine building is the oldest original building in Canada.

One of the really neat things at Fort Anne is a needlework tapestry on display. The tapestry depicts 4 centuries of the area’s history. It was stitched by over 100 volunteers and even includes a few threads placed by Queen Elizabeth. The guide told us there are more than 3 million stitches in it. It was really impressive work. These photos are of 2 of the panels. It is hard to see all the exquisite detail in this massive work.

We had a nice lunch and spent some time walking through a small botanical garden overlooking the Annapolis River. The Victorian gardens were especially pretty but our time there was cut short voluntarily by the hordes of mosquitos that were also admiring the flowers!

Tomorrow, its on to Lunnenburg, a small fishing community.