One of the hidden gems of Nova Scotia lies on the Minas Basin coast nestled between active farming pastures for cattle. It is a a poignant reminder of a turbulent past etched into the landscape of Nova Scotia and of Canada. Le Grand Dérangement, or the Expulsion of the Acadians, stands as a testament to the resilience of a people and the complexities of history. The Deportation Cross serves as a solemn marker of the founding of Nova Scotia.
Stepping onto the grounds surrounding the Deportation Cross, one is immediately struck by a sense of solemnity. The towering monument stands as a silent witness to the suffering endured by the Acadian people during the 18th century. It is a reminder of a dark chapter in Nova Scotia’s history, one marked by conflict, displacement, and loss.
Le Grand Dérangement unfolded between 1755 and 1763 when thousands of Acadian families were forcibly removed from their homes by British authorities. Refusing to pledge allegiance to the King and branded as a threat to British control of the region, the Acadian people endured unimaginable hardships as they were scattered across North America. Families were torn apart, communities shattered, and a rich cultural heritage was almost lost.
Despite the hardships they faced, they clung to their traditions, language, and identity, preserving their heritage for future generations. The Deportation Cross serves as a symbol of this resilience, a beacon of hope through the darkness of history.
Visiting the Deportation Cross
Often overlooked, the Deportation Cross is easy to find if you know where to look. I had not known about this cross or it even exsisted. However, I saw a Google map entry and decided to find it. Here’s a link on how to get there.
Directions – Follow Hwy 1 through Grand Pre. Grand Pre is a beautiful site to visit as well and well marked and there is a education centre there.
at the end of Hwy 1 Left on Horton Cross
Right on Kng St.
Left on Warf St.
then right just after the cattle barn.
There are few, if any signs to guide you.
Once you are there, there are interpretive signs about the area and the deportation of the Acadians.
As I stand before the Deportation Cross, surrounded by the beauty of Nova Scotia’s countryside, I am reminded of the power of resilience, the importance of remembrance, and the enduring spirit of a people who refused to be forgotten. Le Grand Dérangement may be a chapter of the past, but its legacy lives on, shaping the landscape of Nova Scotia and inspiring future generations to never forget.
Would you like more information on what to see when you’re visiting NS? please feel free to send me an email.