Did You Know?

A sincere greeting on this Nova Scotia Heritage Day!

There are many reasons why people immigrate to Canada; war and political unrest, escape poverty, environmental issues, human rights violations, healthcare, education, and a want to better their lives.

DID YOU KNOW…there was a pioneer settlement in the southwest corner of Pictou County established by a group of 15 French families in 1878. Over 600 immigrants came to Nova Scotia in 1873 -74 to work in the developing Pictou County/Cape Breton coal mines. They left their country because of the Franco-Prussion War. Canada at the time was encouraging Immigration and they sent over Agents, that gave them misleading information about Nova Scotia.

Work became very scarce for the French settlers, many left for parts of the United States, Quebec and France. However, a group of French immigrants wanted to stay in Pictou County. They were given 2000 acres of Crown Land in the Trafalgar/ Lorne region of Pictou County to start a pioneering life. The village was encouraged by a Presbyterian Minister to be a religious colony, because of isolation, poor farming soil, and disagreement, the settlement was abandoned.

The book Searching for Raymond-Ville Pioneer French Settlement in Nova Scotia takes you through seven chapters; Searching for Raymond-Ville Begins, Immigrant Life in France, Franco-Prussian War and Revolt, Immigration Matters, Life in Nova Scotia, Religious Matters, and Raymond-Ville Established. This book (160 pages) is available at the Pictou -Antigonish Regional Library.

Footnote: John Ashton is a Pictou County historical researcher, newspaper columnist, author, graphic, and visual artist. He has operated his business Ashton Creative Design from his Bridgeville studio, office/gallery, and archives for over 37 years.