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As early as 1730, the Acadians were recognized as neutral in political affairs. This was known with the first contact by those who would have them plead allegiance to the British Crown.2
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Over a period of several years, there were many efforts by the British Crown to have the Acadians sign an unconditional oath of allegiance. The Acadians did not sign, and stayed on the land that they had colonized. The deportation is indisputably the most tragic event in the history of the Acadians. Since |
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Grand-Pré was the most populous establishment in 1755, it was here that the deportation of the Acadians started. It was Colonel John Winslow who ordered the men of the community to gather in the church Saint-Charles des Mines on September 5, 1755 at three o’clock in the afternoon. At Piziquit (Windsor) it was Captain Alexander Murray who gave the orders at Fort Edward.1 Here the men of Grand-Pré were told that their land, their houses and their animals would be confiscated, and that their families would be taken out of the province. There were more people deported from Grand-Pré than the other Acadian regions not only because it was the most populous area but also because it was the most important agricultural and commercial centre. The population comprising Saint-Charles parish was deported at a location between the cities of Horton Landing and Wolfville.1 |
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