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Historic Destination (23)

Pictou, Pictou County

Town of Pictou
Highway 104, Take exit 20 to West River Road.

In the 1760s, enslaved Africans arrived with Philadelphia Planters in the Pictou area and settled on what became known as the Philadelphia Grant. During World War I, Canadian Blacks were initially rejected at enlistment offices across the country.

In answer to protest the Canadian Military authorized the formation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) - Canada’Äôs only segregated Black unit in July 1916. Originally headquartered in Pictou, the Battalion was moved to Truro later that year. After Armistice of 11 November 1918 the Unit returned from its tour of duty overseas. The No. 2 construction Battalion was officially disbanded on 3 September 1920. The building that once housed the Battalion no longer remains. A monument commemorating this historic site was later erected. A ceremony paying tribute to these brave souls is held every year in the month of July.

 

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