Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Annapolis Royal (2004 pop.: 548) is a Canadian town located in the western part of Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.

History

Together with Port Royal, the region comprises the oldest continuous European settlement north of St. Augustine, Florida and was settled first by Samuel de Champlain and Pierre du Gua, Sieur de Monts in 1605. The area was subject to frequent capture by the British or its New England colonists only to be restored each time to French control by subsequent recapture or treaty stipulations. The area remained in French hands throughout most of the 17th century.

Related Topics:
Samuel de Champlain - Pierre du Gua, Sieur de Monts - 1605 - British - New England - Colonists - 17th century

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Under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, present-day peninsular Nova Scotia was granted to the British. The treaty had transferred the French colony of Acadia, however the vague boundary definitions saw only the peninsular part of Nova Scotia granted to Britain.

Related Topics:
Treaty of Utrecht - 1713 - British - Acadia

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In 1710, the current site of Annapolis Royal was occupied by British forces after the former capital of Acadia at Port Royal was abandoned. The name honours Queen Anne (1665-1714) and is formed through a mix of the former French name Port-Royal and combining the queen's name with that of 'polis', the Greek word for city.

Related Topics:
1710 - Queen Anne - 1665 - 1714 - Greek - City

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Annapolis Royal served as the first capital of the Colony of Nova Scotia from 1710 until the founding of Halifax in 1749. Fort Anne was built by the British Army to defend the colonial capital from seaward attack. Today, much of the original earthen embankments are preserved for tours by the public, as well as some original buildings to the military facility.

Related Topics:
1710 - Halifax - 1749 - Fort Anne - British Army

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Incorporation as a town under the provincial municipalities act took place in 1893. The Annapolis Basin, Annapolis River and the Annapolis Valley all take their name from the town.

Related Topics:
1893 - Annapolis Basin - Annapolis River - Annapolis Valley

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Since the early 20th century, the town has been the site of a bridge connecting the south side of the river to the north side at Granville Ferry; before the bridge, there was a ferry connection. Since 1984, the bridge has been replaced with a dam as part of the Annapolis Royal Generating Station, a tidal power project. Annapolis Royal is the location of the first and only tidal power facility ever built in North America.

Related Topics:
20th century - 1984 - Dam - Annapolis Royal Generating Station - Tidal power

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