In 1755, the Grand Dérangement, a catastrophic event triggered by the British conquest of Nova Scotia, brutally forced the Acadian people from their homeland.
It tore them away from their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods.
This traumatic displacement, which lasted for nearly a decade, scattered across the American colonies and elsewhere and left them to endure immense hardship and uncertainty.
Many found themselves in Connecticut, where they faced a harsh existence and marginalization.
A New Beginning
In 1766 and 1767, groups of Acadian exiles, including names like Gaudet, Melançon, and Landry, left Connecticut for Quebec.
They were attracted by the offer of land made by Governor James Murray who sought to populate the seigneuries within the province.
About 1,300 Acadians, who had been deported to the original American colonies, accepted this offer, mostly from Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The Sulpician priests, who had previously worked with Acadians in Nova Scotia, also offered them land and support in the Saint-Sulpice seigneury.
These Acadians began to establish themselves along the Assomption River and within Saint-Jacques and area. There they built farms, mills, and thriving community.
Building a Legacy
As the Acadians of Saint-Jacques established themselves in their new home, they developed a reputation as skilled farmers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs.
Their distinctive culture, shaped by their history, language, and traditions, flourished in the region.
Families with names such as Lord, Melançon, Gaudet, and Landry – among others – became prominent in the community.
They like the other Acadians contributed to the rich cultural heritage of the region through their hard work and dedication.
Impactful
The Acadians who chose to leave Connecticut behind and settle in Quebec made a mark in the province.
From their early days as pioneers, they played a significant role in shaping Quebec’s development. Their contributions added to the province’s growth and identity.
Their story confirms the resilience and determination of a people who refused to be defined by their exile.
They endured a cruel expulsion, rebuilt their lives, formed new communities, and chose to preserve their heritage.
