Acadian Peninsula

Geographical location

The Acadian Peninsula (English Acadian Peninsula, French Péninsule acadienne ) includes the north east of the Canadian Atlantic province of New Brunswick. It is located in the southwest of the St. Lawrence Gulf and the Baie des Chaleurs. The name of the peninsula was derived from the since the mid-18th century resident French-speaking population, the Acadians. Culturally situated off the northeastern tip of the peninsula and two islands Lamèque Miscou are also attributed to this area.

History

Individual French trading post had been built in the 17th century in the region. The actual settlement of the peninsula continued, however, only after 1755. This year British military authorities had begun to deport all settled in their sphere of Acadians in the more southern English colonies. This was first and foremost those settlers who had their home in today's mainland Nova Scotia, an area that was then known as the Acadian Peninsula. Only a minority of the Acadians was it possible to escape the deportation measures by fleeing into French -controlled areas. Many of these refugees were eventually the first settlers on the (new) Acadian Peninsula. Later followed also deported Acadians returned because the British authorities refused them re resettlement in their old home areas on the mainland Nova Scotia.

Economy

The main industry on the peninsula is fishing, followed by the agricultural sector. In the area around Shippigan and on the opposite island Lameque there are numerous peat bogs, which form an important factor for the economic growth of the area.

Towns

The most important spot on the peninsula is the small town of Caraquet. Although only some 4,000 inhabitants counting, it is considered the cultural capital of the Atlantic- Canadian Acadians. Other important places are Shippigan, Tracadie, Neguac and Lamèque on the Lamèque Island.