The diversity in the history that has played out along the shores of the Bay of Fundy is as dramatic as the tides themselves.
The region is marked by the Aboriginal, French, English, American Loyalist and Irish peoples that have populated it throughout the years. Each has maintained a strong presence in the area as evident in the local culture, name places, traditions and architecture.
The French Connection
A small island off the Bay of Fundy became the first European settlement in North America in 1604. Led by Sieur de Mons and accompanied by Samuel Champlain, and 79 men attempted to settle St. Croix Island. The first winter was tough on the explorers with ice flows cutting the new settlement off from the main land. Half of the men died of scurvy. The following summer they moved across the Bay to Port Royal in the present day Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.
Some informative links:
- http://collections.ic.gc.ca/saintcroixisland/english/quotefile.html
- http://www.stecroix2004.org/en/history.htm#islandhistory
- http://www.nps.gov/sacr/
Mi’kmaq: The Aboriginal Peoples of Fundy
The aboriginal people that lived in and around the Bay of Fundy spoke the common Algonquin language, and were of the Mi’kmaq, the Montagnais, the Algonquin, the Attikamek, the Nipissing, the Abenaki, the Ottawa and the Ojibway tribes.
Read more about these great peoples:
- http://collections.ic.gc.ca/premieres_nations/en/n_algonquians/index.html
- http://www.aboriginalcanada.com/firstnation/dirfnatl.htm
- http://www.bofep.org/native_resource.htm
Loyalist Heritage
In 1783 the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolution and approximately 40,000 Loyalists fled New England to establish a new life in Europe, England and other parts of British North America, including such Bay of Fundy neighbourhoods as Saint John and Weymouth. Read more about the Loyalists who settled on Fundy’s shores…
Discover the historical activities available along the shores of the Bay of Fundy.
Frank R. Taylor
a book published in 2011 “The Ghost of Fundy & Fatalities of the Sea” ISBN 978-0-9867259-3-7 Published by the Historic Restoration Society, P.O. Box 503, 138 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada B0S 1A0
I was the author of the book. Frank R. Taylor, you may call 902-532-7754 or fax 902-532-0700 email [email protected]
This book will answer most of your questions asked here.
Frank R. Taylor
Nathan
Why is thought that Fundy is named after split or funnel?
Kelvin
Hello JAMES HELP
James
Hello i lost my brother in the bay WHERE R U KELVIN
The guy unda da wata
Hello i am under the water plz help me
The Rock
ITS ABOUT DRIVE IS ABOUT POWER WE STAY CLEAN IN DA SHOWER
Joe biven
Hello b0z0
Putin
Putin deez almond nuts in ur lunchbag
Joyce Barron
If anyone is interested there is a wonderful group on FB called Advocate Harbour…..they share so much amazing history!
Raey Asghedom
Hi.I have a question.Who declared that ther would be national park near the bay of fundy?
Maggie
Happy Holidays! I have a question: what was the original first name of the Bay of Fundy? That is to say, what is the Native aboriginal name of it that predates all the French or Portuguese names it has been called. 🙏🏻 Thanks so much 😄
Maggie
sam
Hey it’s me again how big is the bay of fundy
danold trump
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Tony pereira
MAKES MORE SENSE IT BEING NAMED BY THE PORTUGUESE , BAIA FUNDA MEANING DEEP BAY , PORTUGUESE WERE IN THIS AREA AS EARLY AS 1501 OR EVEN A LITTLE EARLIER FROM WHAT I HAVE READ
Cynthia
My great Grandmother Emily Landry (born 1859) grew up on a large seaside farm on the Bay of Fundy. As I understand it, she was removed and relocated from the area and eventually found her way to Chicago. She never wanted to discuss what happened, her husband was presumed lost at sea because I guess he ended up on a different ship? Anyway, I’m wondering what event this could have been? I know the British relocated people in 1755 – 1763, but am not aware of what other events occurred…. Thank you in advance for any info. -Cynthia
Jane Dyas
My grandparents lived in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia and my father was born there. My grandfather was a master ship builder, his name was Burton Dyas. I was told that the ship builders worked on the ships when the tide was out and the ships were resting on dry land ( I suppose that was their “dry dock”). Years ago, when I visited my aunt in Parrsboro, she showed me a daily work log which my grandfather had kept on his employees who worked on the ships. He utilized one of his horses to haul lumber and that horse was listed in the log as Horse Dyas and was paid an hourly wage, which of course went to my grandfather. I wish I could remember what that wage was but I have forgotten. Parrsboro is a quaint little town, I have cousins who still live there. I wish to return some day.
Tracy Smith
Am a truck driver, and have been traveling all around Ontario for many years. I then have moved into Qubec area north south and east area. Lately a bigger step down threw N.B. and into Nova Scotia. The city of Halifax has been a main dest for del and p/u but history of my home land of Canada has always interest me. On arriving home in my spare time checked out info on Woodstock N.B. the frist town made in N.B. I will be in full contact with this company for future knowledge. 1 question would be how long has it been known of blue white sharks located in and around Bay of Fundy
arthur
how did the bay of fundy get its name?
Bay of Fundy
There’s some disagreement about that. Some believe the name comes from the French word for split (Fendu), others say that it originates from the Portugese word for funnel (Fondo).
Darylann
My great grandfather was drowned in the Bay of Fundy in 1900. His name was James Cole and he was a fireman. The ship, City of Monticello went down and he, with it.
I understand now why the ship wasn’t able to handle the amazing sea in the Bay of Fundy. I had no idea, and I was born in Massachusetts!
I would like to know more about the incident and will be seeking out more information about the Acadians, as I have many ancestors.
Thank you for all the information about the area and people – I appreciate it.
Bay of Fundy
You’re very welcome and thank you for sharing your message with us. Have you stumbled across the following story yet? It’s about the sinking and it names all those aboard by name: http://www.losttothesea.com/stories.php
Frank Taylor
Your grandfather’s name appears in a book published in 2011 “The Ghost of Fundy & Fatalities of the Sea” ISBN 978-0-9867259-3-7 Published by the Historic Restoration Society, P.O. Box 503, 138 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada B0S 1A0
I was the author of the book. Frank R. Taylor you may call 902-532-7754 or fax 902-532-0700 email [email protected]
mahin
thats really sad and scary alittle
danny
when was the bay of fundy discovered and does any one know when fundy became a national park?
Bay of Fundy
Probably around 1604, when a small island off the Bay of Fundy became the first European settlement in North America (https://www.bayoffundy.com/about/history/). I believe Fundy National Park wasn’t established as a National Park until 1948.
Ryan
My grandfather helped discover fundy national park
Marielle
Loving this website.