Nova Scotia stretches 500 kilometres on a southwest-northeast axis from Cape Sable to Cape North, the shape of the province is often compared to that native delicacy, the lobster, with Cape Breton Island representing the outstretched claws, preparing to nip unsuspecting Newfoundland across the Cabot Strait.
The coastline of the uplands region is deeply indented, forming many good harbours, some of which are considered outstanding. Hundreds of islands dot the landscape along the entire Atlantic coast, most notably at St. Margarets Bay and Mahone Bay. Reefs and shoals abound, accounting for the many lighthouses erected along this coast. In many ways the Atlantic uplands coast epitomizes the North Atlantic coastline with its bare granite sheets plunging headlong into the raging surf to produce an awesome cataclysm between land and sea. When people think of Nova Scotia, they usually envisage the rocky granite shores of the uplands. Island of Cape Breton Restored to France
Though the Island of Cape Breton was restored to France by the Treaty of Aix in Chapelle in 1748, the British government was determined to retain a firm hold of Nova Scotia. It was decided to settle therein a numerous colony of British subjects, “as the best means of firmly attaching it to the Throne, as well as the most effectual protection against aggression.” Accordingly in the spring of 1749,a fleet of thirteen transports with 2,576 officers and soldiers, farmers and tradesmen, under the Hon. Edward Cornwallis appointed as Governor of the Province, set sail for Nova Scotia. Halifax was founded by these settlers on June 21, 1749.
When the French power was finally shattered, the total white population of Nova Scotia was only 13,000, of which 2,000 were French. The capital, Halifax. Was a little garrison town only fourteen years old, comprising some 500 families. Settlers from the neighbouring New England colonies caused a considerable increase in this number, and additions came from King George’s German kingdom of Hanover. Afterwards, when the American colonies had thrown off their allegiance some 20,000 who either would not or could not remain in their homes under a new flag, migrated to Nova Scotia, calling themselves the United Empire Loyalists. A rebel invasion was repulsed in 1776, and until 1812 the menace of privateers persisted, but from that time until the present day, the history of Nova Scotia has been one of uninterrupted peace, although her son’s have taken part in the Empires struggles in other parts of the world, and have brought much honour to their native Province and Canada. In the present struggle, Nova Scotians are doing their part, with many overseas as well as on guard along her coast, and on the sea, and in the air, in Canada’s Active Forces. Let us hope that war may be kept away from our shores by these gallant men.
Some amazing things have happened in this fair province during the past three hundred years, that are worth relating. For instance: The Government paid the board of a man for sixty years, and even today does not know who he was.
That sounds very strange, but when you are familiar with a story of a man who was simply known as Jerome, you will know that it’s true. This man Jerome was landed on the shores of St. Mary’s Bay in 1854, from a sailing ship. When the good people of Sandy Cove found him, he was suffering extreme pain, as both his legs had been amputated, just below the knees, and he was left on the shore with simply a jug of water and a loaf of bread. Every effort was made to find out who he was and the case reported to the government. For sixty years he lived, during which time he never spoke, he never read and he never wrote a line. In the meantime $104 per year was appropriated for his board. He died in 1912 and was buried at Meteghan. The secret of his identity went to the grave with him.