Annapolis Royal

A BIT OF HISTORY

Together with Port Royal, the Annapolis Royal region comprises the oldest continuous European settlement north of St. Augustine, Florida and was settled first by Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons in 1605. The area was subject to frequent capture by the British or its New England colonists only to be restored each time to French control by subsequent recapture or treaty stipulations. The area remained in French hands throughout most of the 17th century.
 

Under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, present-day peninsula Nova Scotia was granted to the British. The treaty had transferred the French colony of Acadia, however the vague boundary definitions saw only the peninsula part of Nova Scotia granted to Britain.

In 1710, the current site of Annapolis Royal was occupied by British forces after the former capital of Acadia at Port Royal was abandoned. The name honors Queen Anne (1665-1714) and is formed through a mix of the former French name Port-Royal and combining the queen's name with that of 'polis', the Greek word for city.
 

Annapolis Royal served as the first capital of the Colony of Nova Scotia from 1710 until the founding of Halifax in 1749. Fort Anne was built by the British Army to defend the colonial capital from seaward attack. Today, much of the original earthen embankments are preserved for tours by the public, as well as some original buildings to the military facility.

Incorporation as a Town under the Provincial Municipalities Act took place in 1893. The Annapolis Basin, Annapolis County, the Annapolis River and the Annapolis Valley all take their name from the Town.

General Statistics (Town)
Population (2006) - 444
Total Private Dwellings - 303
Population Density (sq/km) - 217.7
Land Area (sq/km) - 2.04

Other small towns have nothing on Annapolis Royal. When we say everything is within walking distance, we mean it! The Town itself offers a host of activities and events all in a 2 km radius.  Idyllically situated between mountain and sea, Annapolis Royal offers a stunning waterfront shopping area, an enviable selection of restaurants and world class accommodations plus a streetscape that has been designated a National Historic District. Important heritage sites, an exciting arts community and theatre, together with wonderful recreational opportunities all combine to make Annapolis Royal an ideal place to call home!www.annapolisheritagesociety.com or The Historic Places Initiative.

Annapolis Royal has an unusual treasure of heritage buildings, including the oldest wooden frame buildings in Canada. Much of Annapolis Royal has been designated a National Historic District, with one hundred and thirty-five Municipal Heritage Properties, possibly the highest concentration of heritage buildings in Canada. Several buildings have also been designated as Provincial Heritage Properties or National Historic Sites.

 For more information about museums in Annapolis Royal and about community history, visit:

http://www.annapolisroyal.com/heritagebuildings.phphttp://www.annapolisroyal.com/visitorinformation.php

The Annapolis Royal area has gained a reputation as a vibrant centre for cultural activity, and over the years it has become a magnet for visual artists, craftspeople, performers and writers. No fewer than eight private studios and galleries are in operation within the National Historic District, not to mention an artist-run gallery (ARTsPLACE) and another art gallery at King's Theatre.
 

We're proud of our many well-preserved heritage buildings that make up one of the loveliest streetscapes in the country. We're also pleased to be recognized as a community where volunteerism is alive and well. Visitors are often surprised that so many activities go on in such a sparsely populated area.