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Historic Destination (8)
Dartmouth Area
Dartmouth like it's sister city Halifax, has had a long history of en masse waves of immigration of Africans. Among the first were the Black Loyalists, 1782-1785. Many of whom homesteaded in 18th-century Preston until 1792 when they relocated to Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Next came the Trelawney Maroons. These courageous people evaded capture by the British and were relocated to Nova Scotia to be free of all agression against them. Following a few years of unrest and dissatisfaction with Nova Scotian society, the majority of the Maroons, like the Loyalists before them, left for Sierra Leone (1800). The final wave of immigration occurred when Chesapeake area Blacks left the US following the War of 1812. They would put down roots in the core of the city on Crichton Ave., Park Ave., Prince Albert Road, Commercial St., and Victoria Road. Others would settle out in 'Preston' on the vacant homesteads of the Loyalists and Maroons. |
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As you drive out of the core of Dartmouth on highway 7 you will come to a series of the communities born from 19th-century Preston: East Preston, North Preston, Lake Loon and Cherry Brook. You will find a well-established tradition of basket weaving and quilting in these communities. Two of the Province's more widely known basket weavers are Edith (Drummond) Clayton (1920-1989), and Clara Gough, both of whom carried on the tradition passed on to them by the elder women.
Other women, members of the Ladies Auxiliary, concerned about the condition and care of Black orphans, organized the Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children. The 'Home', as it is known, opened its doors on June 6, 1921. The original 'Home' is no longer used as an orphanage. The new 'Home' is just up the street.
The descendants of the 1812 Refugees form a solid cornerstone in the foundation of Nova Scotia history. These communities, like so many Black communities throughout the province, prides itself on its down-home welcome for long lost 'cousins'. Come and stay awhile!
Point of Interest
Victoria Road United Baptist Church At 36 Victoria Road sits the Victoria Road United Baptist Church, formerly Dartmouth Lake Church. Established in 1844 the church was originally located on Ochterloney Street. In 1905 the church was hoisted on rollers and pulled up the street by horses to its present location on Victoria Road. Recognized as a Heritage Site by the City of Dartmouth Heritage Advisory Committee. |
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also see Historic Site, Museums (9) Cherry Brook, Prestons
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