|
|
HISTORY: A Brief History
|
See Also:
What follows is but an introduction to the history of our communities. The next few paragraphs will help make you feel at home within the context of our history. Read on!
Although the Indians were, without a doubt, the first people to visit this corner of l'Acadie while fishing and hunting, nothing indicates that they remained here for any length of time. To learn more about the Deportation of the Acadians, visit the web site by Marie-Claire Pitre. (in French) |
|
Already in the 1750's, during the summer months, the Jerseys ran a fishing station at "La Pointe de l'Île". In 1782, two families settled permanently in Chéticamp. Others followed and history tells us that 1785 marks the foundation of Chéticamp.
"La Grant à Pierre Bois", a charter by which the Crown granted 7000 acres of land, was signed in 1790 by 14 of these brave settlers. |
 |
Chéticamp Harbour
|
Following the Deportation, these people roamed around throughout the Atlantic Provinces in search of a permanent home. Some of them arrived here from Prince Edward Island, Arichat or from Restigouche in N.B. Others, after being freed from English prisons after the Seven Years' War, returned to France and probably came to Chéticamp on boats from the Island of Jersey.
|
In 1800, Chéticamp erected its first chapel which was followed by two other churches of somewhat smaller dimensions than the existing Église Saint-Pierre, built between 1892 and 1900.
We know that as early as 1812, Margaree had its own chapel and that the parish was serviced by the priests assigned to Chéticamp.
In 1879, the section between ?Le Ruisseau du Lac? and Murphy?s Brook was designated as the parish of Saint-Joseph-du-Moine . In that same year a church was built with l?Abbé Guillaume LeBlanc assigned as its first priest.
In 1955, a monument was erected in the Platin, in memory of our ancestors, better known as, "Les Quatorze Vieux" (14 old men). This monument is a reminder of the courage of our ancestors, the "Quatorze Vieux".
|
 |
Home || Location || History || Tourist Information || Community || Activities || Links
Back to Community Page || To Cape Breton Showcase
|
