Port-Royal National Historic Site of Canada

So lots of history in the Maritimes. The French and the British were fighting for control of the “New” territory. Throw in the Scottish, Acadians, the Mi'kmaq and someone is always fighting someone.
Mostly it was French vs British, the Acadians were neutral and just wanted to farm & be happy. The Mi'kmaq (natives) wanted to preserve their way of life.

Grand Pré was the main Acadian settlement. They took salt water marshes and using a series of dykes blocked the seawater and drained the marshes to create excellent soil for crops. Unfortunately they were deported by the British because they would not swear allegiance to the king.

Fort Anne was a typical fort built originally by the Scottish (Ft Charles). Then it changed hands at least 7 times between the French & English. Each adding or removing bits and pieces.

Port Royal was not a fort but a habitation. Samuel Champlain took it apart and moved it from the island of St. Croix.
Port Royal is a reconstruction, based on Champlain’s diagrams and notes, it was built using hand tools and techniques from the 1600’s. The craftsmanship was amazing.Read more