ST. PETERS COMMEMORATIVE INTEGRITY STATEMENT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA. St. Peter s, Nova Scotia

Transcription

1 Parks Canada Parcs Canada ST. PETERS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA St. Peter s, Nova Scotia COMMEMORATIVE INTEGRITY STATEMENT May 2003

2 SIGNATURE PAGE Approved: Approved:

3 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background National Historic Sites Objectives Commemorative Integrity... 3 A. Definition... 3 B. Definition and Purpose of Commemorative Integrity Statement Commemorative Context 2.1 Historical Background... 4 A. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Recommendations Commemorative Intent... 6 A. Definition... 6 B. Statement of Commemorative Intent Designated Place... 6 A. Definition... 6 B. Description of St. Peters Designated Place Resources Directly Related to the Reasons for National Significance 3.1 Designated Place... 9 A. Summary of Designated Place... 9 B. Historic Values for the Designated Place... 9 C. Objectives for the Designated Place Level 1 Resources A. Description of the Resources B. Objectives for the Resources Messages of National Significance 4.1 Messages of National Significance Context Messages Objectives for Messages of National Significance Heritage Values 5.1 Resources not Related to National Significance Objectives Messages and Objectives not Related to National Significance Acknowledgment Appendix 1 Relevant Excerpts from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Minutes Appendix 2 Plaque Texts Appendix 3 Inventory of Resources and Designated Place... 26

4 1.0 Introduction 1.1 BACKGROUND Canada s family of national historic sites is comprised of more than 890 sites across the country of which 148 are administered by Parks Canada. These sites symbolize significant elements of our national story. In 1929, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada declared Fort St. Peters (St. Peters) of national historic significance. St. Peters is of national historic significance because it is the site of Nicolas Denys 17th-century fortified trading post built on a narrow isthmus of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from Bras d'or Lake, an area which was used by Mi kmaq people for hundreds of years. During the period from 1713 to 1758, St. Peters, then known as Port Toulouse, became one of the three principal ports established by the French on Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island). St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada is located in the village of St. Peter s in the south western portion of the Cape Breton island, Nova Scotia (see figure 1). This national historic site illustrates the importance of commerce and trade during the 17th century and is the setting of a French community of the 18th Century. 1.2 NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES OBJECTIVES The Minister of Canadian Heritage is responsible for recognizing and commemorating persons, places and events of national historic significance in Canada. This mandate is detailed in the Parks Canada's Guiding Principles and Operational Policies (1994). They outline the objectives of the Government of Canada for the system of national historic sites. They are: C To foster knowledge and appreciation of Canada's past through a national program of historical commemoration. C To ensure commemorative integrity of national historic sites administered by Parks Canada by protecting and presenting them for the benefit, education and enjoyment of this and future generations, in a manner that respects the significant and irreplaceable legacy represented by these places and their associated resources. C To encourage and support the protection and presentation by others of places of national historic significance that are not administered by Parks Canada. The Cultural Resource Management Policy provides guidance for achieving these objectives. The goal is to manage cultural resources in accordance with the principles of value, public benefit, understanding, respect and integrity. This goal is reaffirmed in the Parks Canada Agency Act which states that Parks Canada is accountable for ensuring the commemorative integrity of national historic sites. The practice of cultural resource management requires that four elements be in place in all decision-making: C the inventory of resources; C the evaluation of resources; C the consideration of historic values; C the monitoring and review of ongoing activities. These activities are management requirements for defining and ensuring commemorative integrity. This Commemorative Integrity Statement integrates the results of the first three activities. 1

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6 Figure 1. St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada in St. Peter s Nova Scotia. 1.3 COMMEMORATIVE INTEGRITY A. Definition Commemorative integrity describes the health and wholeness of a national historic site. A national historic site possesses commemorative integrity when: C the resources directly related to the reasons for the site s designation as a national historic site are not impaired or under threat, C the reasons for the site s national historic significance are effectively communicated to the public, and C the site s heritage values (including those resources and messages not related to national significance) are respected by all whose decisions or actions affect the site. Resources directly related to the reasons for the site s designation are Level 1 resources as defined in Parks Canada Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Policy. Those values, resources, and messages that are not related to national significance are defined as level 2 in the CRM policy. B. Definition and purpose of Commemorative Integrity Statement A Commemorative Integrity Statement is a site-specific elaboration of what is meant by commemorative integrity for a particular national historic site. It is intended to provide the benchmark for planning, operations and reporting. The Commemorative Integrity Statement addresses four key elements: C it focuses our management decisions on what is most important; C it ensures that there is a focus on the whole site, not just the individual resources; C it is one of the Parks Canada s Business Plan accountabilities along with service to clients and efficient use of public funds; C and it is the basis for reporting to Canadians on the state of a national historic site (State of Protected Heritage Areas Report). 3

7 2.0 Commemorative Context 2.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In the 1630s, enterprising merchants from La Rochelle in France built a small fortified settlement on the shore of St. Peter s Bay, on a narrow isthmus of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from Bras d'or Lake, and named it Saint-Pierre. They were granted the rights to the fur trade and fishery in the region by the New France Company. The area was used for thousands of years by the Mi kmaq, who portaged their canoes across the isthmus separating Bras d'or Lake from the ocean. Access to the seacoast allowed them to reach other parts of their territory throughout Atlantic Canada. As well, they established seasonal camps here. It is likely that the presence of the Mi kmaq brought Portuguese, Basque and French fishermen to the area as early as the 1500s. In 1650, Nicholas Denys, another entrepreneur and merchant from La Rochelle, took possession of this settlement. During his stay, Denys encouraged the Mi kmaq to bring their furs in exchange for European goods. To facilitate shipping and transportation across the isthmus, the traditional portage trail became a haulover road where oxen, or people, could pull Denys ships from one shore to the other. During the winter of 1668/69 a disastrous fire destroyed all of Denys buildings at Saint-Pierre. The post was abandoned and Denys moved to Nipisiguit, now Bathurst, New Brunswick. In 1924, Nicolas Denys was declared to be of national historic significance because of his pioneering role in the fur trade and fishing industries in the Gulf Region, his early book on Acadia (1672) and his appointment as Governor and Lieutenant General of the Coasts and Islands of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from Canso to Gaspé, in The next chapter in the St. Peters story began in 1713 when the French established themselves on Cape Breton Island following the loss of mainland Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to the British. Saint-Pierre was renamed Port Toulouse. The core of the settlement was located about 1 km east of the old 17th-century trading post, within the current boundaries of Battery Provincial Park. The area of the trading post was renamed Petit Saint-Pierre. Port Toulouse became one of the three principal ports established on Isle Royale (now Cape Breton Island). It was a major supply centre for Louisbourg, 120 km to the north. To protect the settlement and transportation across the isthmus, the French built a small fort on the shore. In spite of optimistic plans for masonry walls, Fort Toulouse had to settle for earthworks protected by palisades. Inside the defences were the commandant s quarters, soldier s barracks, a chapel and other structures. During that period the French maintained close contact with the Mi kmaq. In 1745 and 1758, both the fort and the settlement were destroyed by the British during the wars for control of North America. British immigrants moved into the area soon after, and a prominent Irish merchant, Lawrence Kavanagh Jr., whose family contributed significantly to the growth of St. Peter s, established himself close to the ruins of Port Toulouse. In 1793, with the outbreak of war between revolutionary France and Great Britain, the British built Fort Dorchester on the summit of Mount Grenville, the highest spot in the region. When the present village of St. Peter s was founded early in the 19th century, the new residents used Denys old haulover road. Plans were soon made to replace the old portage road with a navigation channel. Work on the canal began in 1854 and in 1869 the canal finally became a reality. Today, St. Peters Canal is the only working canal of national historic significance in Atlantic Canada. The remains of Nicholas Denys fort lie buried in the garden of the Lockmaster's house which dates from Artifacts unearthed in 1985 during archaeological work on the Nicholas Denys settlement and nearby sparse ruins of Port Toulouse show the importance and sophistication of these early European sites. 4

8 A. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Recommendations A site s national historic significance is articulated in the recommendations of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) to the Minister. Relevant excerpts from the minutes that contribute to the development of the Statement of Commemorative Intent follow. The complete text of the HSMBC minutes relating to Saint-Pierre has been included in Appendix 1 and plaque texts in Appendix 2. Between 1928 and 1999, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada considered the site several times. Fort St. Peters was brought to the notice of the Board in 1928 but this question was deferred until the next meeting. In 1929, the Board recommended Fort St. Peters as being nationally significant. The Board, however, delayed further action until additional historical data was made available for consideration. In 1930, the Board recommended that the following English inscription be adopted and that a French version be furnished and then placed first on the French design of the tablet. The following inscriptions were reported in the 1930 minutes: Port Toulouse Emplacement du poste établi par Nicholas Denys en Nommé Port Toulouse et fortifié à Pointe-Jérôme, ce poste devint, en 1713, l'un des trois ports principaux de l'ile Royale. Détruit par les troupe [sic] de Pepperell en 1745; repris par les Français en 1748; abandonné par eux en St. Peter's Site of Denys fort and trading post, built Selected in 1713 as one of the three principal ports in Isle Royale, named Port Toulouse, and fortified by works at Point Jerome. Destroyed by Pepperell's troupes [sic] Reoccupied by the French, 1748; evacuated, In 1931, the Board amended the text of the plaque and changed the heading Port Toulouse to Saint-Pierre Saint Pierre Emplacement du poste établi par Nicolas Denys en Nommé Port Toulouse et fortifié à Pointe-Jérôme, ce poste devint, en 1713, l'un des trois ports principaux de l'ile Royale. Détruit par les troupes de Pepperrell en 1745; repris par les Français en 1748; abandonné par eux en St. Peter s Site of Denys' fort and trading post, built Selected in 1713 as one of the three principal ports in Isle Royale, named Port Toulouse, and fortified by works at Point Jerome. Destroyed by Pepperrell's troops Re-occupied by the French, 1748; evacuated, In 1981, a local association in St. Peter s submitted a project to the Board calling for the restoration of Nicolas Denys fort and Fort Toulouse. After consideration, the Board requested the preparation of a paper which would examine in detail the extent of the cultural, political and economic impacts of the project as well as their possible archaeological significance. Parks Canada carried out exploratory excavations at St. Peter's in In 1985, a report on the excavations (The French Forts on St. Peter's Bay, Cape Breton, NS) was tabled before the Board for its consideration. The Board did not feel that it was appropriate to undertake additional commemoration of the French forts, at St. Peter s. However, in light of the exceptional research potential of St. Peters, the Board asked Parks Canada to carry out further archaeological excavations at the site and report back to the Board on its findings. In 1999, Parks Canada sought clarification from the Board on the commemorative intent, particularly the historical and geographical extent of St. Peters (Saint-Pierre, Fort St. Peters and the area known as Port Toulouse) during the French era commemorated by plaque, and the Board s intention in its deliberations. The Board confirmed that it was the entire panoply of the history of the St. Peters area from 1650 to 1758 (including the establishment of Nicolas Denys trading post and the settlement known as Port Toulouse) that was 5

9 commemorated. Hence a Statement of Commemorative Intent deals with the larger Saint-Pierre/Port Toulouse area. The Board requested further clarification from Parks Canada, however, with respect to the extent of the proposed designated place for Saint-Pierre-Port Toulouse. The Board felt that the proposed designated place did not appear to be substantiated on historical grounds and asked that Parks Canada provide further information on this question. In the 2000 meeting, the Board considered a more detailed paper and agreed with the proposed boundaries. 2.2 COMMEMORATIVE INTENT A. Definition The Commemorative Intent of a national historic site refers specifically to the reasons for a site s national significance as determined by the Ministerially-approved recommendations of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. It is expressed in the same words used in the Board minutes. B. Statement of Commemorative Intent St. Peters was designated a national historic site in The reasons for national significance, as identified in the 2000 Board minute, are: C Its role as the site of Fort Saint-Pierre, a 17th-century fortified trading post acquired by Nicolas Denys to trade with the Mi'kmaq; and C its role as the site of Port Toulouse, a French community with its military presence that was witness to Anglo- French rivalry during the period DESIGNATED PLACE A. Definition Designated Place refers to the place designated by the Minister of Canadian Heritage on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Information on what constitutes the designated place for a particular historic site is drawn from the minutes of the Board. Designated place was previously referred to as historic place. B. Description of St. Peters Designated Place The designated place of St. Peters encompasses the central area of the Saint-Pierre/Port Toulouse area and covers approximately 28,5 ha of which 1,5 ha is the actual canal (as shown in figure 2). Specifically, the boundaries are from St. Peter s Bay, at the Atlantic Ocean entrance of the canal, following Toulouse Street, which approximates the original shoreline, to the administrative boundary of St. Peters Canal and thence north along the west side of the canal to encompass the known site of Fort Saint-Pierre and remnants of the portage route that preceded the canal that appear to survive in the wooden area above the canal cut. At the Bras d Or Lake entrance to the canal, the boundaries follow the original shoreline to encompass the location where a Mi kmaq camp was identified ca 1713 in an area that has not been significantly altered since construction of the canal in the mid 19th century when fill from the canal construction was deposited on the site. Hence, archaeological remains of this camp site may have been protected by this fill. Remnants of the farm shown as Petit Pas may also survive in this location. On the east side of the canal, limits follow Parks Canada s administrative boundaries south to the Atlantic entrance of the canal and turning inland (east) to follow traces of the road shown leading to Port Toulouse. It then turns south and east along the traces of a pathway parallel to the shoreline to encompass the area shown as farmed land and depicted with dwellings, including the priest s house. This area extends approximately 500 metres up the small creek now known as Ross Brook. Within it can 6

10 be found a series of depressions that may represent foundations of these dwellings. The boundary of the designated place then turns west down Ross Brook and along the shoreline, which is now up to 15 m further inland than it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. Hence some of the remains of the settlement may now be underwater. The boundary turns inland at the west side of Fort Toulouse and follows traces of another path (south of Mount Grenville) back to the Atlantic entrance of the canal. 7

11 Figure 2. Designated Place for St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada St. Peters National Historic Site 8

12 3.0 Resources Directly Related to the Reasons for National Significance 3.1 DESIGNATED PLACE A. Summary of Designated Place The Board confirmed that the entire settlement of St. Peters which evolved from Saint Pierre in 1650 to 1758 to become Port Toulouse is of national historic significance. The designated place of St. Peters consists of a geographical entity directly associated with the reasons for national significance. The designated place encompasses an area on the isthmus located between the shores of St. Peter s Bay and Bras d Or Lake, and generally between the administrative boundaries of St. Peters Canal National Historic Site of Canada to the east and to Ross Brook to the west, approximately 500 m from the Atlantic shoreline. The designated place encompasses the following historic features, remnants and unexcavated resources: C The emplacements of Mi kmaq camps known to be located on the lake and ocean shores. C The portage corridor linking both shores. C Areas located west of the contemporary St. Peters Canal which includes the remnants of the fortifications and structures associated with the Nicolas Denys fort (most of which are contained in what is now the yard of the Lockmaster s house built for St. Peter s Canal in 1876), the haulover road, the cemetery and remnants of the farm known as Petit Pas. These areas subsequently became known as Petit Saint-Pierre. C A large area encompassing the excavated remains of Fort Toulouse and the non excavated resources of the village of Port Toulouse for the most part within the boundaries of the present-day Battery Provincial Park. B. Historic values for the designated place The Designated Place as a whole is valued because: C it was the site of Nicolas Denys fortified trading post, which was the object of commercial rivalry during the middle of the 17th century; C it encompasses the site of subsequent French settlements from 1650 to 1758 (Petit Pas, Port Toulouse, Fort Toulouse) and their respective below-ground resources, dating from the late 17th and 18th centuries; C the place was a contact area between the French and the Mi kmaq; C the panoramas from the site and the topography give tangible evidence of the reasons for the establishment of the fortified trading post; C the haulover road was replaced by a canal in the mid-19th century which was subsequently recognized as nationally significant. C. Objectives for the designated place The designated place is not impaired or under threat when: C the cultural resources and their associated values are respected; C management decisions are based on adequate and sound information and are made in accordance with the principles and practice of the CRM Policy; C the cultural resources and their associated values are not lost or impaired from natural processes, for example erosion and decay, within or outside of the site; C the cultural resources and their associated values are not lost, impaired or threatened from human actions within or outside of the site; C the historic values of the resources are communicated to visitors and the general public; 9

13 C any modification to the site or its cultural resources is based on sound knowledge and respect for the historic values of the resources and is preceded by adequate research, recording, and investigation; C any new work at or adjacent to the site is sensitive in form and scale to the site and its associated resources; C the historic value of the resources is fully considered and integrated into the planning, conservation, presentation and operational programs. 3.2 LEVEL 1 RESOURCES A. Description of the resources IN-SITU RESOURCES ADMINISTERED BY PARKS CANADA The 17th-century Fortified Trading Post The cultural resources consist of below-ground remains and above ground features associated with the 17thcentury fortified trading post, buildings and other features on the site. The fort included earth ramparts topped by a palisade enclosing a square and surrounded by a ditch. The fort gate was in the eastern wall. The northern rampart and its northeastern corner are visible in the ground, but their contours have been heavily modified by later activities. The palisade has been reduced to stains in the soil. The base of the northern wall survives below ground as do possibly those of the eastern and western walls. The southern rampart has been lost to erosion. The structures within the ramparts included the following type of buildings: the residence for Nicolas Denys, other accommodations, storage facilities, including a granary and workshops, and a chapel. None of these structures is now visible on the ground but the burnt remains of them survive below ground. Among the surviving features which were excavated are chimney bases, plank floors set directly on large stones without a cellar and ample evidence of the household inventory as it was on the winter night of 1669 when the fort burnt. An inventory of the resources appended to this document includes a detailed explanation for each of the identified cultural resources. A map is also included locating each of the resources identified in the list (see Appendix 3) Historic Values C The Trading Post s remnants are in their original locations and reflect the original use of the fort at the time of its destruction. C The footprint, alignment and form of its earthworks and structures remain and are relatively undisturbed. C Its buried remains are an unusually rich source of information on the structure, function, activities, lifestyle, and material culture of a mid-17th-century French trading post. C The visible earthworks provide a tangible sense of the scale and form of the fort. C It is an example of early European colonial venture. C It was the object of commercial rivalry during the late 17th century. C It represents a direct association with Nicolas Denys who is a figure of national historic significance (1924). C The existing state of the grounds and below ground resources reflects the evolutionary nature of the site. Haulover Road Nicolas Denys modified a traditional Mi kmaq portage route to create a haulover road where oxen, or people, could pull Denys ships from one shore to the other. No traces of the 17th-century feature have yet been located. Historic Values C The haulover road and its function best illustrates the continuous use of the area as a transportation corridor. C The portage was valued as a short-cut and was subsequently modified by the French and British to a haulover road for transporting their vessels. Later the St. Peters Canal was constructed to replace the haulover road. C Remnants of the haulover road may be present. 10

14 IN-SITU RESOURCES NOT ADMINISTERED BY PARKS CANADA Structural Remains of Fort Toulouse These cultural resources consist of the visible or archaeologically documented remains of the fortifications and structures dating from three construction periods: 1. The Period: The fort consisted of a palisade and three buildings for officers quarters and barracks accommodating up to 60 men. 2. The Period: The fort was enlarged to enclose an area about 70 m by 80 m, and the earlier buildings were rebuilt or replaced after Ramparts with corner bastions at their northern ends enclosed a rectangular area. The fort was surrounded by a ditch with the gate in its eastern side. The structures included the Commandant s quarters, the Officers quarters, barracks, a prison, the chapel, the guardhouse, the provisions store and powder magazine, a latrine and a well. 3. The 1749/ Period: The fort was rebuilt smaller and simpler than before. The fortifications consisted of a palisade forming more or less a trapezoid enclosing an area about 50 m by 40 m. The commandant s quarters, barracks with 24 rooms for 48 soldiers, quarters for subalterns, the priest and the surgeon, a provision store and a prison were constructed within the palisade. The sparse remains are located within the boundaries of Battery Provincial Park. The resources are visible as trenches or other depressions in the ground. The remains of the fort wall, probably of the fort, are visible as a faint trench enclosing a rectangular area along the shore. Two structures were documented in the 1985 excavation. One is possibly the guardhouse of the fort. The other is probably the cellar of the commandant s quarters in the 1749/ fort. The excavations indicated that the archaeological resources are substantial. The fort was destroyed by the British in 1745 and in Historic Values C The structural remains of Fort Toulouse are directly associated with the commemorative intent of St. Peters. C They are in their original location. C The footprint, alignment and form of the earthworks remain and are relatively undisturbed. C They are a source of information on the structure, function, activities, and material culture of mid-18th century French forts. C The fort was an administrative center for Southeast Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island). C The bay and isthmus were valued for their strategic importance by the French and it was the location of a small garrison. C The site (Fort Toulouse-Port Toulouse) was a point of contact in the military alliance with the Mi kmaq (with respect to battles in Nova Scotia). C The fort was a victim of British-French rivalry and was captured and destroyed twice (in 1745 and 1758). Village of Port Toulouse The village was established east of Fort Toulouse in 1716 and lasted until 1745, when it was destroyed by the British. It was resettled in At that time it grew to include about 40 families. After 1758, it came under English authority. The village consisted of clusters of buildings, most of them near Ross Brook. A road led into the village from the head of St. Peter s Bay, rounding Mount Grenville, with a branch into the fort. A road to Louisbourg was built in Remains of the village can be distinguished in air photos and as depressions or ridges in the ground, but most of what is left of the structures is below ground. Neither the buildings nor the associated fields have been the subject of archaeological testing. 11

15 Historic Values C The village of Port Toulouse was one of three principal French settlements on Cape Breton Island during the commemorated period, and was a major supply center for the Fortress of Louisbourg. C Fort Toulouse-Port Toulouse was the site of an annual ceremony of French-Mi kmaq alliance renewal. C The population of the village traded with the British at Canso. C The area was the most prominent settlement of re-located Acadians on Cape Breton Island resulting in a strong relationship between Port Toulouse and Isle Madame and links to other communities on the island. C The area was a site of French-British conflict in 1745 and C The French and Acadian settlers were deported to France in 1745 and C The area is the ancestral home of some Acadian Cape Breton families. OBJECTS ADMINISTERED BY PARKS CANADA A collection of about 1,100 artifacts, 20 animal bones and other specimens were excavated from the 17th-century fort. They consist of architectural items such as daub, brick tiles, nails, tie bolts, window glass and lead, munitions, weapons such as gun parts, gun flints, and a dagger, tools such as axes and a hoe, household items of iron, copper, ceramics and glass, furniture tacks, tobacco clay pipes, and highly ornate items. The archaeological collection is stored in the Parks Canada Cultural Resources Management Archaeology storage facility in the Trade Mart, Halifax. A few artifacts were lent to the Nicolas Denys Museum in St. Peter s and are currently on display. Historic Values C The objects illustrate the activities, lifestyle, and material culture of the commemorated period. C They are a direct link with Nicolas Denys, a person who was declared of national historic importance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in C The collection, as a whole, is an unusually rich source of information on the structure, function and use of a mid-17th-century French trading post at the time of its abrupt destruction. OBJECTS ADMINISTERED BY PARKS CANADA FOR THE PROVINCE A collection associated with Fort Toulouse includes about 500 archaeological objects consisting of building hardware, wattle-and-daub, white-washed daub, burnt wood, bricks, household ceramics, a French coin from 1711, gun flints, pipe fragments, brass buttons and a piece of silver uniform braid. The collection includes the food bones of birds and sea mammals. The collection is owned by the Government of Nova Scotia. An official agreement has been signed with the Nova Scotia Museum to retain the collection in the Parks Canada Cultural Resources Management Archaeology storage facility in Halifax. Historic Value C The archaeological collection, as objects and as a whole, illustrates the activities, lifestyle, and material culture of the commemorated period. B. Objectives for the resources All resources, in-situ resources and objects, will not be impaired or under threat when: C the cultural resources and their associated values are respected; C management decisions are based on adequate and sound information and are made in accordance with the principles and practice of the CRM Policy; 12

16 C the cultural resources and their associated values are not lost or impaired from natural processes, for example erosion and decay, within or outside of the site; C the cultural resources and their associated values are not lost, impaired or threatened from human actions within or outside of the site; C the historic values of the resources are communicated to visitors and the general public; C the historic value of the resources is fully considered and integrated into the planning, conservation, presentation and operational programs; C any new work at or adjacent to the site is sensitive in form and scale to the site and its associated resources; C there are no uses or threats that reduce the potential for long-term conservation and future understanding and appreciation of the cultural resources; C conservation measures are based on direct, rather than indirect evidence, follow the path of least intrusive action, and are clearly recorded; C monitoring and review systems are in place to ensure the continued survival of the cultural resources with minimum deterioration. 13

17 4.0 Messages of National Significance 4.1 MESSAGES OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE This second element of a site s commemorative integrity relates to heritage presentation, which facilitates public understanding of national significance. It focuses on the reasons for national historic significance, and is derived from the Commemorative Intent of St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada. Messages of national significance are Level I messages which convey the reasons for the site s designation or for its national significance and must be effectively communicated to both site visitors and the general public. Context messages are messages which aid in understanding the reason for the national significance of the site. The messages that convey the national historic significance of St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada are: C St. Peters was the site of Fort Saint-Pierre, a 17th-century fortified trading post acquired by Nicolas Denys in 1650 to trade with the Mi kmaq. C St. Peters was the site of Port Toulouse, a French community with its military presence that was witness to Anglo-French rivalry during the period 1713 and CONTEXT MESSAGES Context messages are those messages which are essential for an understanding of the reason(s) for the national significance of St. Peters. These are: C The major alliances between the French and the Mi kmaq were fostered by the military, social and commercial relationships that established and maintained Saint-Pierre. C St. Peters (then known as Port Toulouse) was the scene of conflicts in 1745 and 1758 between the French and British during the struggle for empire in the 18th century. C The area was an Acadian settlement between 1713 and C A pioneer in fur trade and in the fishing industry and author of an early book on Acadia (1672), Nicolas Denys was appointed Governor and Lieutenant General of the Coasts and Islands of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from Canso to Gaspé in 1654 and was subsequently declared of national historic significance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in OBJECTIVES FOR MESSAGES OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Effective communication of the reasons for national significance of St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada, as expressed in the messages of national significance and the context messages, will be achieved when: C the overall heritage presentation experience conveys the reasons for national significance of the site; C the public, both visitors and non-visitors, exposed to a heritage presentation experience and the site stewards understand the reasons for national historic significance of the site; C the effective communication of messages and their understanding is monitored. 14

18 5.0 Heritage Values 5.1 RESOURCES NOT RELATED TO NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE This element of commemorative integrity deals with all other resources and messages that upon evaluation do not meet criteria established for Level I. Level II resources are not of national significance, however, their local or regional association, historical significance and aesthetic or environmental qualities are valued. A feature, a resource or a landscape which is valued for its evolution, was a witness to many periods in history or is given special cultural meaning by people, may be assigned to a level II. The sites where these resources would be located is given in parentheses. Portage Route (Parks Canada) The route was used for thousands of years by the Mi kmaq, who portaged their canoes across the isthmus separating Bras d'or Lake from the ocean. It is not known whether any remnants survive. Historic Values C The portage route allowed the Mi kmaq to reach other parts of their territory throughout Atlantic Canada. C The isthmus was a passage point for Mi kmaq annual gatherings. Mi kmaq Camps (Parks Canada, Battery Provincial Park) The camps were indicated on a map (ca. 1714) at both ends of the portage route. These camps may have been preserved under fill placed on the site during construction of the canal. Although no remains have yet been located, there is relatively high probability of finding Aboriginal resources relating to the camps on the Bras d Or lake end side of the canal. Historic Values C The presence of the camps represent the use and occupation of the area by the Mi kmaq. Cemetery (Location unknown) It is presumed that a cemetery was established during the forty years the Trading Post was in operation although documents contain no reference to it. The cemetery could be located close to the Post but outside the walls as seen at other habitations (eg. Port-Royal). Important persons would have been buried in the Chapel. Tradition states that a skeleton was discovered when the basement of the Lockmaster s house was dug. No records exist to confirm this report. Historic Value C The cemetery represents the culture of the French inhabitants. Farm Buildings of Petit Saint-Pierre and Petit Pas (Parks Canada and Municipality) Possible remnants of farm buildings both on St. Peter s Bay and Bras d Or Lake as indicated on a map (ca. 1731). The occupation was primarily contemporary with that of Port Toulouse. Historic Value C The remnants illustrate the activities, lifestyle, and culture of the commemorated period. Remains of Fort Dorchester (Battery Provincial Park) Built in , the fort was used only a short time. The resources are buried but the basic outline is still visible. They have not been investigated archaeologically. When cleared of vegetation, their present surface contours are clearly visible. Historic Values C The remains are tangible evidence illustrating the continuity in the use of this strategic place and the historical evolution of the site. 15

19 C They are tangible evidence of the British occupation of the place and an illustration of British reaction in North America to the declaration of war by revolutionary France. C The remnants of the structures are in their original location and their footprint and form remain. C The site offers a commanding view of the local area and the three principal waterway routes (St. Peter s inlet from Bras d Or Lake; St. Peter s Bay between Mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton and Isle Madame; and Lennox Passage going towards Strait of Canso). Remains of the Lawrence Kavanagh Property (Battery Provincial Park) The Kavanagh family and the remains of their estate are of great local historic significance and interest. The insitu resources consist of the remains of the residence and surrounding outbuildings built c by Lawrence Kavanagh Jr. on a 500-acre property situated in Port Toulouse after the entire area was renamed St. Peter s. These structures can be seen as overgrown outlines near the shore. There are also the remains of a large three-story residence which became the Kavanagh residence in 1811 after the first house was destroyed in a gale. The footprint of this house is visible about 160 m north of the shore in the Battery Provincial Park. Historic Values C The remains of the Kavanagh property are a tangible link to the history of the community of St. Peter s and illustrate the historical evolution of the site. C The remnants of the structures are in their original location. C The Kavanagh family was a prominent family in the community (political, commercial, social). C One member of the family became the first elected Catholic member of a legislative assembly in the British Empire outside of Quebec. The cement foundation of the Richmond County hospital (Battery Provincial Park) The hospital was built in 1911 directly on the foundation of the 1811 Kavanagh house after the latter was demolished. The hospital burned in Ruins are still visible within the forested area of the Battery Provincial Park. Historic Value C The remains illustrates the evolution of the site. Designated Place of St. Peters Canal National Historic Site of Canada (Parks Canada) The area of the Designated Place of St. Peters Canal National Historic Site is embedded in the St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada. A description of its historic features and commemorative integrity objectives may be found in the St. Peters Canal Commemorative Integrity Statement. Historic Values C The site has been used as a transportation corridor between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bras d'or Lake since time immemorial. C The presence and interrelationship of the canal waterway, works, buildings and landscape features are tangible evidence of the historical evolution of the site. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Plaques (Parks Canada) Two plaques of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are erected on a cairn located on the southeastern corner of the Lockmaster s house. The first plaque commemorates the settlement of Saint-Pierre and the Nicolas Denys fortified trading post and communicates the reasons for the national significance of Saint- Pierre National Historic Site. The second plaque commemorates St. Peters Canal. Historic Value C The plaques represent early efforts to commemorate Canada's history by the federal government. 16

20 5.2 OBJECTIVES All Level 2 resources will not be impaired or under threat when the objectives given in section 3.1C are met. 5.3 MESSAGES AND OBJECTIVES NOT RELATED TO NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE The messages communicate an awareness and appreciation of the heritage values associated with St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada. These heritage values are not directly linked to the messages of national significance and the site s commemorative intent. The Mi kmaq Presence C The Mi kmaq used this place as a portage crossing establishing seasonal camps here as the need arose. C From 1713 to 1758, when this area was known as Port Toulouse, the Mi kmaq held annual meetings here with French colonial officials from Louisbourg and the local missionary concerning the alliance between the two peoples. C The Mi kmaq heritage is visible in the nearby local area. Early Europeans C In the early 16th century, Portuguese fishers may have used this place and called it San Pedro. The French and Acadian Settlement C There were commercial, administrative, and political relationships between Port Toulouse and other French communities on Isle Royale. C The Acadian and other French inhabitants were deported by the British in 1745 and C The Acadian and French heritage is visible in the nearby local area. The Historical Relationship with other National Historic Sites C The Level I message and context messages of St. Peters Canal are associated with the story of St. Peters. These messages are fully described in the St. Peters Canal Commemorative Integrity Statement. C St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada is thematically related to many other sites in Atlantic Canada that witnessed Aboriginal, French, Acadian and British political, military and commercial interaction, including: Port-Royal, Fort Anne, Canso Islands, Port-la-Joye--Fort Amherst, Fort Beauséjour, the Fortress of Louisbourg, Boishébert, and Castle Hill National Historic Sites. The Development of the Community of St. Peter s C Saint-Pierre - Port Toulouse became the modern town of St. Peter s in the post-1758 period. C The canal played a critical role in the development of the community. C The Kavanagh family contributed significantly to the establishment and growth of St. Peter s. C A nationally acknowledged photographer, Wallace MacAskill, was born here. C The site is adjacent to the remains of Fort Dorchester, built The National Historic Sites System C St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada is part of a family of over 890 sites nation-wide. C St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada is a place designated by the Government of Canada as a site of importance to all Canadians because of its national significance. Effective communication of the messages not related to the national significance of Saint-Pierre National Historic Site will be achieved when: C part of the heritage presentation experience conveys the message not related to the site s national significance; C the messages not related to the site s national significance and their presentation do not overwhelm or detract from the presentation and understanding of the site s national significance; C the public, both visitors and non-visitors, exposed to messages not related to the site s national significance understand them; 17

21 C the effectiveness of the communication of the messages not related to the site s national significance and their understanding are monitored. 18

22 Acknowledgment Developing a Commemorative Integrity Statement for St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada was an interesting, learning experience for all members of the Planning Team. This task required considerable work, research of background information and interdisciplinary discussions as well as many reviews. The following individuals participated in the development of the Commemorative Integrity Statement: Rob Ferguson, Archaeologist, Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax John Johnston, Historian, Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax Denyse Lajeunesse, Planner, Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax Tom Meagher, Manager Historic Sites, Asset Management, Cape Breton Island Field Unit, Fortress of Louisbourg Anne O Neill, Manager, Heritage Presentation and Client Services, Cape Breton Island Field Unit, Fortress of Louisbourg Bill O Shea, Manager, Cultural Resources, Cape Breton Island Field Unit, Fortress of Louisbourg Judith Tulloch, Historian, Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax Carol Whitfield, Field Unit Superintendent, Cape Breton Island Field Unit Birgitta Wallace, Archaeologist, Halifax Colleagues and resource people at the National Historic Sites Directorate, National Office, and the Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax, also provided sound advice, guidance and technical support throughout the project. François Marineau Planner Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax 19

23 Appendix 1 Relevant Excerpts from the Historic Sites And Monuments Board of Canada Minutes Ottawa, Thursday, May 17, 1928 Fort St. Peters, N.S. That this matter be deferred until the next meeting of the Board, and that in the interval a memorandum of justification and an inscription be prepared and submitted by Judge Crowe. Carried. Ottawa, 18th May, 1929 Fort St. Peters. That the site of Fort St. Peters be declared of national importance, and that further action be deferred until the next meeting of the Board to enable further historic data being obtained relative thereto. Monday, May 19, 1930 Fort St. Peter's. That the following inscription in English be adopted; that Mr. Nantel be asked to furnish a French version, and that the French version be placed first on the French design of tablet. PORT TOULOUSE Emplacement du poste établi par Nicholas Denys en Nommé Port Toulouse et fortifié à Pointe-Jérôme, ce poste devint, en 1713, l'un des trois ports principaux de l'ile Royale. Détruit par les troupe de Pepperell en 1745; repris par les Français en 1748; abandonné par eux en St. PETER'S Site of Deny's fort and trading post, built Selected in 1713 as one of the three principal ports in Isle Royale, named Port Toulouse, and fortified by works at Point Jerome. Destroyed by Pepperell's troupes Re-occupied by the French, 1748; evacuated,

24 May 28, 1931 St. PETERS, N.S. That the following inscription as amended be confirmed with the change in the heading "Port Toulouse" to "Saint Pierre" in the French version. SAINT PIERRE Emplacement du poste établi par Nicolas Denys en Nommé Port Toulouse et fortifié à Pointe-Jérôme, ce poste devint, en 1713, l'un des trois ports principaux de l'ile Royale. Détruit par les troupes de Pepperrell en 1745; repris par les Français en 1748; abandonné par eux en St. PETERS Site of Denys' fort and trading post, built Selected in 1713 as one of the three principal ports in Isle Royale, named Port Toulouse, and fortified by works at Point Jerome. Destroyed by Pepperrell's troops Re-occupied by the French, 1748; evacuated, June 15 and 16, 1981 THE FRENCH FORTS, St. PETER S, NOVA SCOTIA Recognizing that the site of Nicholas Deny's Fort had been commemorated by means of a plaque as early as 1931, the Board recommended that the question of further commemoration of the French Forts constructed at St. Peter's, Nova Scotia, be deferred until such time as a paper which examines in greater detail the extent of the cultural, political, and economic impact of the forts as well as their possible archaeological significance can be prepared for the Board's consideration. November 15 and 16, 1985 THE FRENCH FORTS, St. PETER'S, NOVA SCOTIA Background In 1931, Fort Saint Pierre (Nicholas Denys' Fort) and Port Toulouse were commemorated by means of a plaque entitled St. Peters'. In June of 1981, the Board considered the question of further commemoration at the site (restoration of the two forts) at the request of the St. Peter's Community Club. At that time the Board recommended that "the question of further commemoration of the French Forts constructed at St. Peter's, Nova Scotia, be deferred until such time.as a paper which examines in greater detail the extent of the cultural, political and economic impact of the forts as well as their possible archaeological significance can be prepared for the Board's consideration." 21

25 While the paper requested, above, has not been completed, due to the scarcity of staff resources, exploratory excavations were carried out at St. Peter's last summer by archaeologists from the Atlantic Regional Office, Parks Canada. The paper The French Forts on St. Peter's Bay, Cape Breton, N.S. concerned these archaeological test excavations and was tabled before the Board for its consideration. Recommendations The Board did not feel that it was appropriate to undertake additional commemoration of the French Forts, at St. Peter's, at least for the time being, however, it did recommend that "in light of the apparently exceptional research potential of Fort St. Pierre, Parks Canada should carry out further archaeological excavations at the site, at its earliest opportunity, and report back to the Board on its findings." Ottawa, June 1999 Clarification of National Historic Site Designation: St. Peter s, Nova Scotia In order to develop the Commemorative Integrity Statement for St. Peters National Historic Site, Parks Canada has sought clarification from the Board on the commemorative intent for this site. In 1929, Fort St. Peters was designated a national historic site on the advice of the Board and a commemorative tablet was erected in Secretary s Note: While the Board was prepared to approve the proposed commemorative intent and boundaries for the site, after further consideration of the Board s proceedings on this subject, Dr. Alway felt that further clarification was required from Parks Canada with respect to the extent of the proposed historical place for St. Peters/Port Toulouse. Dr. Alway felt that the proposed historical place did not appear to be substantiated on historical grounds and asked that Parks Canada provide the Board with further information on this question. 22

26 June 2000 St. Peters National Historic Site: Confirmation of Commemorative Intent and Clarification of Designated Place In June 1999, the Board reviewed a staff report on this subject and approved, with minor adjustments, the proposed Statement of Commemorative Intent, as follows St. Peters is a place of national historic significance because of its role C as the site of Fort Saint-Pierre, a 17th-century fortified trading post acquired by Nicolas Denys to trade with the Mi kmaq; and C as the site of Port Toulouse, a French community with its military presence that was witness to Anglo-French rivalry during the period The Board however, was not prepared to bring forward its recommendation at that time because it required further clarification with respect to the definition of designated place. Parks Canada has now come forward with revised boundaries for the proposed designated place. The revisions, which reduce the area considerably from what was proposed in June 1999, are based on a site inspection and on stereoscopic examination of aerial photographs and comparison of the results with 18th-century maps. On the basis of the information brought before it, the Board reaffirmed its June 1999 recommendation with respect to the Statement of Commemorative Intent, and approved the following verbal description of the proposed designated place. Specifically, the recommended boundaries are from St. Peter s Bay, at the Atlantic Ocean entrance of the canal, following Toulouse Street, which approximates the original shoreline, to the administrative boundary of St. Peters Canal and thence north along the west side of the canal to encompass the known site of Fort Saint- Pierre and remnants of the portage route that preceded the canal that appear to survive in the wooded area above the canal cut; at the Bras d Or Lake entrance to the canal, following the original shoreline to encompass the location where a Mi kmaq camp was identified ca in an area that has not been significantly altered since construction of the canal in the mid-19th century when fill from canal construction was deposited on the site. Hence archaeological remains of this camp may have been protected by this fill. Remnants of the farm known as Petit Pas (Fig. 2, OB-08) may also survive in this location; on the east side of the canal, following Parks Canada administrative boundaries south to the Atlantic entrance to the canal and turning inland (east) to follow traces of the road leading to Port Toulouse (Figs. 2 and 3, OB-08). Turning south and then east along the traces of a pathway parallel to the shoreline to encompass the area shown as farmed land in Figure 1 (OB-08) and depicted with dwellings, including the priest s house (Figs. 2 and 3, OB-08). This area extends approximately 500 metres up the small creek now known as Ross Brook. Within it can be found a series of depressions that may represent foundations of these dwellings; and, the boundary of the designated place then turns west along Ross Brook and along the shoreline, which is now up to 15 metres further inland than it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. Hence 23

27 some of the remains of the settlement may now be underwater. The boundary turns inland at the west side of Fort Toulouse and follows traces of another path (south of Mount Granville) back to the Atlantic entrance to the canal. The total area within the proposed boundaries is approximately 28.5 hectares, of which 1.5 hectares is the actual canal. While the Board was prepared to accept the verbal description of the designated place, it asked that Parks Canada undertake to survey the boundaries for St. Peters National Historic Site as soon as possible and to return to the Board with confirmed survey boundaries to validate the above boundary description. 24

28 Appendix 2 Plaque Texts SAINT PIERRE Emplacement du poste établi par Nicolas Denys en Nommé Port Toulouse et fortifié à Pointe-Jérôme, ce poste devint, en 1713, l'un des trois ports principaux de l'ile Royale. Détruit par les troupes de Pepperrell en 1745; repris par les Français en 1748; abandonné par eux en St. PETERS Site of Denys' fort and trading post, built Selected in 1713 as one of the three principal ports in Isle Royale, named Port Toulouse, and fortified by works at Point Jerome. Destroyed by Pepperrell's troops Re-occupied by the French, 1748; evacuated, A.D St. PETER S CANAL LE CANAL SAINT-PIERRE Connecting St. Peter s Bay on the Atlantic Ocean with the Bras d Or Lakes, St. Peter s Canal follows substantially the portage of the old French trading days. The route was first surveyed in 1825 but construction did not commence until 1854, was suspended in 1856, renewed in 1865, and not completed until Since that time the canal has been twice enlarged and can now accommodate vessels with draughts up to sixteen feet. Ce canal, qui relie la baie St. Peter s, sur l Atlantique, aux lacs Bras d Or, suit plus ou moins le vieux chemin de portage du Régime français. Son tracé fut d abord arpenté en 1825 mais sa construction, entreprise en 1854, interrompue en 1856 et reprise en 1865, ne fut terminée qu en Élargi deux fois depuis, le canal peut recevoir des navires ayant seize pieds de tirant d eau. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Commission des Sites et des Monuments Historiques du Canada Government of Canada-1931-Governement du Canada 25

29 Appendix 3 Inventory of Resources and Designated Place DESIGNATED PLACE As described in section 2.3B. IN-SITU LEVEL 1 RESOURCES The 17th-century Fortified Trading Post The in situ cultural resources consist of below-ground remains and above ground features associated with the 17th-century fortified trading post, buildings and other features on the site. The structures within the ramparts included the following type of buildings: the residence for Nicolas Denys, other accommodations, storage facilities, among them a granary and workshops, and a chapel (7 1 ). Haulover Road No traces of the 17th-century structure are known (hatched area). Structural remains of Fort Toulouse These resources consist of the visible or archaeologically documented remains of the fortifications and structures dating from three construction periods, , , and The remains are located in Battery Provincial Park (4). Village of Port Toulouse The village was established in 1716 which lasted until 1745 when it was destroyed by the British. It was resettled in 1749 and came under British authority in Remains of the village can be distinguished in air photos and as depressions and ridges in the ground. Most of what is left of the structures is below ground. It has not been subject to archaeological testing. The remains are located in Battery Provincial Park (6). LEVEL 1 OBJECTS Objects associated with the 17th-century Fortified Trading Post The collection contains about 1100 artifacts, 20 animal bones, and other specimens excavated from the 17th-century fort. The collection consists of items such as daub, brick tiles, nails, tie bolts, window glass and lead, munitions, weapons such as gun parts, gun flints, and a dagger, tools such as axes and a hoe, household items of iron, copper, ceramics and glass, furniture tacks, tobacco clay pipes, and 1 Numbers in parentheses refer to the numbers on figure 3. 26

30 highly ornate items (stored in the Parks Canada Cultural Resources Management Archaeology storage facility in Halifax. Objects associated with Fort Toulouse The collection includes about 500 archaeological objects consisting of building hardware, wattle-and-daub, white-washed daub, burnt wood, bricks, household ceramics, a French coin from 1711, gun flints, pipe fragments, brass buttons and a silver uniform braid. It also includes the food bones of birds and sea mammals. The collection is owned by the Government of Nova Scotia. An official agreement has been signed with the Nova Scotia Museum to retain the collection in the Parks Canada Cultural Resources Management Archaeology storage facility in Halifax. LEVEL 2 RESOURCES Portage route The route was used by the Mi kmaq who portaged their canoes across the isthmus separating Bras d Or Lake from the ocean. It is not known if remnants survive. Mi kmaq camps There may still be traces of the camp at Bras d Or Lake as the canal approaches have been built out beyond the original shoreline (2). Cemetery A cemetery was presumably located outside the fort, but its location is not known. Farm Buildings of Petit Saint-Pierre and Petit Pas Petit Saint-Pierre and Petit Pas consisted of a few buildings, both on St. Peter s Bay and Bras d Or Lake, including what was perhaps originally the farm of La Montagne. The occupation was primarily contemporary with that of Port Toulouse (1 & 8). Remains of Fort Dorchester (Fort Grenville) Remains include below ground remains of the fort in 1793/94. The basic outline is still visible. This is located on top of Mount Grenville in Battery Provincial Park (3). Remains of the Lawrence Kavanagh Property The estate consists of the remains of the residence and surrounding outbuildings built c by Lawrence Kavanagh Jr., in the area of the Port Toulouse priest s house, and remains of a large three-story residence which became the Kavanagh residence in 1811 (5). The cement foundation of the Richmond County hospital The hospital was built in 1911 directly on the foundation of the 1811 Kavanagh house after the latter was demolished. The hospital burned in 1920 (5). Designated Place of St. Peters Canal National Historic Site of Canada 27

31 The area of the Designated Place of St. Peters Canal National Historic Site which is partly embedded in the Saint-Pierre National Historic Site. A description of its historic features and commemorative integrity objectives may be found in the St. Peters Canal Commemorative Integrity Statement. Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada Plaques Two Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada plaques are erected on a single cairn located on the southeastern corner of the Lockmaster s house (9). 28

32 St. Peters National Historic Site of Canada Figure 3. Location of the resources described in the appendix. 29