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Historic Destination (20)

Tracadie Area, Linwood

Tracadie Area
Trans Canada Highway104 or Highway 4

First settlers to this region were Black Loyalists. In 1787, Thomas Brownspriggs and 74 other Black Loyalist families were granted 3000 acres of land in what today is known as East Tracadie, Antigonish County. This land grant, one of the earliest and largest parcels of land actually granted to Nova Scotia’Äôs Black settlers, lies on the east side of (Big) Tracadie Harbour near an area also settled by Acadians. Make your way to Barrio Beach and look upon the waters of St. George’Äôs Bay where some of the people fished to maintain a livelihood. Along the East Tracadie Road you can turn onto a small road that leads to Little Tracadie, present day Linwood, another area where ’ÄòPeople of Colour’Äô were settled. Coming out of East Tracadie, cross into the rolling country-side of Rear Monastery. This region, and cross-country to Guysboro on the Marine Drive, is well known for producing good fiddlers, like those of the Izzard family, Joe Izzard shown here and George Reddick, who crafted his own fiddle and played for the Queen.

Upper Big Tracadie
Highway 16

Turn off of Highway 4 onto Highway 16 and you'll find yourself in Upper Big Tracadie, where many of those who were listed on the grant with Brownspriggs would eventually settle. Go to the summit of Upper Big Tracadie, off of Daye Rd and look out over the entire expanse of an area that once belonged to Black Loyalists. Let your eyes take in the breathtakingly rustic beauty of a land that still holds the secrets of the past. On Highway 16 find the Tracadie United Baptist Church & Community Centre.

Lincolnville & Lincolnville Loop
Highway 1

A far cry from tourist chic, this tiny community boasts a community centre with the history of the area including names and genealogical information on early settlers. Stop into St. Monica's Roman Catholic Church - (built 1965??) one of Nova Scotia's few Black Roman Catholic Churches.

 

Notable Spot

Linwood/LittleTracadie
Highway 4

- Formerly Little Tracadie. Bordering Little Tracadie Harbour were lands settled by 'Persons of Colour' following Loyalist influx. Present-day farming and fishing community.

 

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