William Alexander (the younger) facts for kids

Sir William Alexander (born around 1602, died May 18, 1638) was an important figure in the early history of Canada. He is known for starting the Scottish colony of Nova Scotia in 1629. This colony began with the building of Charles Fort, which is now the site of modern Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

William Alexander's expedition partner, James Stewart, 4th Lord Ochiltree, also tried to set up a settlement. This short-lived settlement was at Baleine on Cape Breton Island, about 600 km (373 mi) northeast of Charles Fort. Sir William Alexander was the son of another colonizer, William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling. However, William Jr. died before his father, so he never inherited his father's title.

Founding Nova Scotia: Charles Fort

In 1629, Sir William Alexander led the effort to establish a Scottish colony in what is now Nova Scotia. This was a big step for Scotland, as they wanted to have their own lands in the "New World." The main settlement they built was called Charles Fort. This fort was located in a strategic spot that is now part of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

What Happened to Charles Fort?

After the Scottish left, the French returned to the area in 1632. They built their own settlement on the same site. They called their new settlement Port-Royal. This shows how important the location was for controlling the region.

Finding the Real Charles Fort

For many years, people thought Charles Fort was on a hillside looking over the Habitation. A stone monument and a brass plaque were even placed there in 1951 to mark it as a National Historic Site of Canada.

However, archaeologists later found new evidence. Through careful digging and study, they discovered the true location of Charles Fort. It was actually found underneath Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. Because of this discovery, the original plaque was moved to the correct spot. This shows how history can sometimes be hidden and then revealed through new research!