List of historic places in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia facts for kids
Welcome to a journey through time in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia! This special place is full of amazing historic sites, from old forts to charming houses, that tell stories about Canada's past. Let's explore some of these cool spots where history comes alive!
Contents
Famous Historic Places in Annapolis County
Fort Anne: A Place of Many Flags
One of the most important places here is Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. It's a National Historic Site because it played a huge role in shaping Canada. For over 150 years, this fort was a key military spot. It was fought over many times by the French and the British. Imagine, the flag flying over Fort Anne changed hands seven times! This makes it one of the most contested places in North American history. Today, you can walk the grounds and see the old earthworks, the officers' quarters, and the powder magazines where they stored gunpowder. It's like stepping back in time to when soldiers guarded the land.
- Officers' Quarters: This building at Fort Anne was where the military officers lived. It's one of the oldest buildings of its kind in Canada.
- Black Hole Powder Magazine: This was a safe place inside Fort Anne to store gunpowder, keeping it dry and away from danger.
- South Powder Magazine: Another important building at Fort Anne used for storing gunpowder safely.
Port-Royal: Canada's First European Settlement
Close by, you'll find the Port-Royal National Historic Site in Granville Ferry. This is super important because it's where some of the first permanent European settlements in North America were built by the French in 1605. They called their settlement "Habitation." It was a small village where people lived, worked, and traded with the local Mi'kmaq people. Today, there's a cool reconstruction of the original Habitation. You can see how the early settlers lived, what their homes looked like, and how they protected themselves. It's a fantastic way to imagine life over 400 years ago!
Charles Fort: An Early English Fort
Also located within the Fort Anne National Historic Site area is Charles Fort National Historic Site of Canada. This was an early English fort built in the 1600s. It shows how important this area was for different countries trying to control the land.
Melanson Settlement: An Acadian Village
The Melanson Settlement National Historic Site of Canada in Lower Granville tells another important story. This was an Acadian village, settled by French-speaking people who lived in this region for many years. The Acadians developed a unique culture and way of life, often building dikes to reclaim land from the sea for farming. This site helps us remember their history and their strong connection to the land before they were forced to leave during the Expulsion of the Acadians.
Other Interesting Historic Buildings
Annapolis Royal's Charming Streets
Annapolis Royal is filled with many old buildings that are now protected historic places. Walking down St. George Street is like taking a trip back in time!
- Annapolis County Court House: Located on St. George Street, this is where important legal decisions have been made for many years. It's a beautiful example of old architecture.
- Annapolis Royal Historic District: This whole area along St. George Street is recognized for its many historic buildings, showing what the town looked like long ago.
- Sinclair Inn: At 230 St. George Street, this inn is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Canada. It has been a home, a store, and an inn over its long history.
- Queen Anne Inn: Another lovely old building on St. George Street, now a charming place to stay.
- Adams-Ritchie House: Found at 220 St. George Street, this house is a great example of the historic homes in Annapolis Royal.
- Journeay House: Located at 240-242 St. George Street, this is another one of the many historic houses that make Annapolis Royal so special.
- The Willows: At 441 St. George Street, this building also adds to the rich history of Annapolis Royal.
Museums and Lighthouses
- North Hills Museum: In Granville Ferry, this museum is in an old house and shows what life was like for people in the past. It's a great place to see old furniture and everyday items.
- Hampton Lighthouse: Located in Hampton, lighthouses are important symbols of coastal communities, guiding ships safely.
- Schafner Point Lighthouse: Another lighthouse in Granville Ferry, helping ships navigate the waters.
Historic Churches and Schools
Many old churches and schools in Annapolis County are also historic places, showing the importance of community, faith, and education in the past.
- Albany Community Church: In Albany Cross, this church has been a gathering place for the community for many years.
- Centenary United Church: Found in Upper Granville, this church has a long history of serving its local community.
- Evergreen United Baptist Church: In West Paradise, this church is another example of the historic places of worship in the county.
- Emmanuel United Church: Located in Granville Ferry, this church has been a part of the community for generations.
- Goat Island Baptist Church: In Upper Clements, this church is a historic landmark for its area.
- Milford United Baptist Church: In Milford, this church has served its community for a long time.
- Old Holy Trinity Church: In Lower Middleton, this old church has a rich history.
- Old St. Alban's Church: Located in Lequille, this church is another important historic religious site.
- Saint Edward's Anglican Church: In Clementsport, this church has been a place of worship for many years.
- St. John's Anglican Church: Found in Moschelle, this church is a historic part of the community.
- St. Luke's Anglican Church: In Annapolis Royal, this church is a beautiful historic building.
- St. Mark's Anglican Church: Located in Perotte, this church has a long history in the area.
- Mount Hanley School Section Number 10: In Mount Hanley, this old schoolhouse reminds us of how children learned in the past.
- Paradise School: In Paradise, this school also tells a story of education in earlier times.
- Tupperville School Museum: In Tupperville, this old school is now a museum, preserving the history of education.
Other Notable Buildings and Sites
- Annapolis County Court House: This important building in Annapolis Royal has been a center for justice for many years.
- LeQuille Mill: In Lequille, this mill represents the industrial history of the area.
- Canadian Pacific Railway Station: In Annapolis Royal, this old train station reminds us of the importance of railways for travel and trade.
- CFB Cornwallis Buildings: Several buildings at the former CFB Cornwallis (a military base) are also considered historic, including Building 10, which was an administration building.
These historic places in Annapolis County are like open books, each telling a unique story about the people, events, and changes that have shaped this part of Nova Scotia over hundreds of years. Visiting them is a great way to connect with the past and understand how our world came to be!