Starr's Point
Previously known as Côte-des-Boudreau, Pointe-des-Boudrot or Village-des-Michel, Starr's Point was probably the largest settlement in Rivière-aux-Canards and a significant embarkation site for the Acadians during the Deportation, which began in 1755.
Five years later, the Planters, a group of settlers from New England, take ownership of these sites. A commemorative monument dedicated to the Planters was erected at Town Plot, to mark the location of the lands ceded after the Deportation of the Acadians.
Photos : Ludivine Larcher
A must-see : Visit Starr's Point Cemetery to observe the dykes on the Cornwallis River, which to this day enable farmers to cultivate these lands.
You can also visit Prescott House, named after its former owner Charles Prescott, a rich merchant who contributed to the agricultural development of the area in the 19th century.
Lastly, visit the barracks and military structures built in 1778 for the soldiers stationed here to defend the settlers against American Naval raids.
A bit of history
During the time of the first Acadians, ferries ensured travel between Côte-des-Boudreau to Grand-Pré or to proceed down the Saint-Antoine River (Cornwallis River) to Rivière-des-Habitants, later known as New Minas.
In 1755, Starr’s Point serves as an embarkation point during the Deportation. From October 19 to 21, four sailing ships – the Industry, the Endeavour, the Mary and the Prosperous – are loaded for departure from this location.
If homes around Grand-Pré were burned, it was not the case in all Acadian regions, as the English needed the homes to house Acadians prior to deporting them.
Between 1760 and 1763, the Planters arrive in Nova Scotia. The majority settle there due to subsidies which see them granted the lands left vacant after the Deportation of the Acadians.
The English destroy certain homes but leave others intact for the Planters. Some of them build their homes on the foundation of Acadian homes and then make them larger over time.
The arrival of the Planters involves a new land management approach. In fact, Town Plot is divided and thought of as a well-organized square outlined by narrow lots and provided to the Planters. This management method originated in New England and departs from the Acadian method, which respected more closely the natural geographical patterns of the region.
Location :
73 Starrs Point Loop
Port Williams, Nova Scotia B0P 1T0
45.102160, -64.382271 (GPS)
