This more Acadian history for us; it's a sad story, as most of them are. The Acadians who fled from Nova Scotia ended up across the Bay of Fundy and up here in New Brunswick. They hid on
Beaubear's Island in the middle of the Miramichi River, where the harsh winter killed most of them. Be sure to click on the links for the full story, it's pretty interesting!
We opted for the full tour, including the boat ride to Wilson's Point and Beaubear's Island, a guide who was young and enthusiastic, and folks in period costumes who told us their stories. Very well done; we learned a lot. Plus is was a beautiful day! Sorry for all the signage, but it explains a lot.
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This memorial is on Wilson's Point, erected by the remaining members of the Acadian families.
That is the Acadian Flag. |
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| The Acadian refugee camp story. |
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| How the Acadians were forcibly exiled by the British. |
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| Notice how many Acadians came to Louisiana........ |
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The Scottish folk came here to work in the sawmills and ship building,
long after the the Grand Derangement. |
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| Our intrepid guide Tyson. He did a wonderful job. |
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William Davidson was responsible for bringing in lots of workers
to fish, and provide lumber for shipbuilding. Click the link to learn more. |
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| Young lady portraying William Davidson's widow. |
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William Davidson's grave.
Note the grave is fenced. The end of the mainland (Wilson's Point), between
the two branches of the Miramichi River, is locally called The Enclosures,
because most graves had the traditional enclosures, either wooden or iron. |
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This is the grave of Joseph Russell's children;
the actress is portraying his wife. Click the link. |
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| One of the graves on Wilson's Point. |
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| This young fellow portrayed the local schoolteacher. |
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| This is the cook for the shipbuilding crews. |
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The gap between the mainland (Wilson's Point) and the Island is called the Tickle.
Don't be fooled, it is 60 feet deep in the center of the gap. |
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Our guide was quick to tell us to watch out for this stuff -
stinging nettle! |
Lots of the ousted folk came to Louisiana, and we know some of their descendants! I had an encounter with stinging nettle once on Vashon Island in Washington, and, you're right, steer clear of it (along with poison ivy and oak and sumac). Stay on the trail!
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