Port Toulouse

Introduction

A Welcome Note From Jeanne Belford

Those who are into genealogical research on French and Acadian families in Canada know that there are many stories that are lost to us, as well as many more that remain to be added. But other stories remain, and some can be reconstructed.

The intent of this web site is to share with you the story of one unique place, Port-Toulouse, the 18th century settlement on Île Royale, today known as St. Peters, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

One can’t say that Port-Toulouse was ever really “lost” to history. Material is available that somewhat brings the village and its people to life and fashions its story. However, source material is scattered about, in bits and pieces, in various papers, books, Internet sites and repositories. The

early settlement, its settlers and their descendants, seem to deserve more - a tale in its own right, perhaps.

So, I am going to tell you the story of Port-Toulouse and a bit about the people who lived there. Think of these pages as a broad, concise overview of the place, its people and its contribution to some of the French and Acadian presence in southwestern Cape Breton Island today. For many of us who have ancestors from this area, this is where it all began!

Hopefully, this memoir will help you as you experience your genealogical journey, whatever your history may be in - or with - this place. The goal is to offer an understanding of events and people who shaped Cape Breton Island history. Our sense of community comes from within - from a personal connection with the earliest settlers of Port- Toulouse and the shared experiences and stories of our ancestors.

The web site is only a beginning. It provides simply a glimpse into the wealth of French and Acadian culture and heritage. The descendents of Port-Toulouse families continue the story. Hopefully, it will never end as we, together, rebuild lost chapters and write new ones.

Special Note: All information and images appearing within these pages are understood to be copyright free and in the public domain. In cases where material is not copyright free or part of the public domain, every effort has been made to obtain written permission for use from the appropriate author or artist. Should anyone feel this is not the case, please notify me by e-mail and such material will be immediately deleted and images removed. Sources for all material and images are provided at the end of this web site.

July 2004