Kidston Island facts for kids
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Formerly known as:
Mutton Island and later Duke of Kent's Island |
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Lighthouse at Kidston Island
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| Geography | |
| Location | Bras d'Or Lakes |
| Coordinates | 46°05′41″N 60°44′46″W / 46.09466°N 60.74618°W |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Province | Nova Scotia |
| Municipality | Baddeck |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Kidston Island is a small, 35-acre island located in the Bras d'Or Lakes in Nova Scotia, Canada. It helps protect the harbour of Baddeck, a nearby village. This island has a long and interesting history!
Long ago, the only people living near the island were the native people. They called the area "Ebedeck," which means "place with an island nearby." When British settlers arrived, they called the island 'Leg-a-Mutton' because of its shape. Later, this name was shortened to 'Mutton Island'.
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Island's Changing Names
Kidston Island has had many names over the years. Each name tells a bit about its past owners or history.
Early Settlers and New Names
In 1819, a retired British naval officer named James Duffus moved to the island. He was the first European settler in the area that would become Baddeck. At that time, the island and the surrounding land were covered in untouched forests.
Duffus quickly built a home and a store on the island. He renamed it 'Duke of Kent Island' to honor Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. Prince Edward was a very important person to Duffus and was the father of Queen Victoria.
By 1822, James Duffus had married and started a family on the island. Because of his family living there, the island soon became known as 'Duffus Island'. In 1824, Duffus received a large piece of land on the mainland, right across from the island. This land eventually grew into the village we now know as Baddeck.
Sadly, James Duffus passed away in 1833 at the age of 46. He was traveling to Halifax for medical help. His wife and two sons were left alone on Duffus Island.
The Kidston Family Arrives
For two years, Mrs. Duffus continued to run the store on the island. Then, in 1835, a man named William R. Kidston arrived from Halifax. He was there to manage the Duffus family's property and business.
However, William Kidston did more than just manage the estate. Within a year, he married Mrs. Duffus! They moved onto the island and kept the business going. Some years later, they moved their home and business to the mainland. By this time, the island had taken on its current name: 'Kidston Island'.
Who Owned the Island?
After the Kidston family, the island was owned by several different people. The Kidston family kept ownership until the 1880s.
Lighthouse Construction
A few years before the 1880s, in 1875, a small piece of land on the island was given to the government. This was so a lighthouse could be built. The lighthouse was constructed that same year on the north end of the island. It helped guide ships safely into the harbour.
Later, the island was owned by Alexander Ross, who then sold it to Frank J.D. Barnjum. In the early 1900s, there was talk of building a big resort on the island. This would have changed the island forever, but luckily, it never happened.
In 1936, Leonora B. Wood owned Kidston Island. She sold it to the Mersey Paper Company Limited. This company owned the island until 1960. They likely used the island for its trees. Then, in 1960, the Mersey Paper Company sold the island to The Village Commissioners of Baddeck.
Island Features
Kidston Island has some great features for visitors.
Beach and Picnic Area
The island has a beach where lifeguards are on duty during July and August. This beach is run by the local Lions Club. It's a perfect spot for a day out, with a picnic area, changing rooms, and washrooms available for everyone.
Kidston Island Lighthouse
The island is also home to the Kidston Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse is an important historical building. It stands on the eastern tip of the island and has been guiding ships for many years. The current lighthouse was built in 1912, replacing an older one from 1875.
How to Visit Kidston Island
You can visit Kidston Island during the summer months.
Ferry Access
During July and August, a special 12-passenger ferry takes people to Kidston Island. This ferry is operated by the Lions Club, making it easy and fun to get to the island for a day trip.
