Historical Cape Breton

This post is part of a series in the lead-up to Summer 2014. Look for weekly posts with lists, tips, and background information about travel in the Maritimes. As always, suggestions are welcome Cape Breton Island has a long and fascinating history. Called Unimaki (Land of Fog) prior to European contact, handed back and forth between France (as Ile Royale) and Britain (as Cape Breton) during the colonial period, briefly its own colony until 1820, and a centre of industry for coal, the history of Cape Breton is multi-layered and complex. Luckily, the island is home to many wonderful historic sites and museums aimed at helping you understand the history and cultures of this piece of North America. The places below are only a handful of the options you have for exploring the island's history. Some I have visited, some are on my to-do list this summer. This list is a general overview of the island-if you like it, please let me know, and I'll put lists of some more off-the-beaten-path historical sites! Chapel Island National Historic Site marks a longstanding meeting place for the Mi'kmaw people. Located in the community of Potlotek (near Saint Peter's), this historic site marks an important political and religious site for the Mikmaw. http://www.pc.gc.ca/APPS/CP-NR/release_e.asp?bgid=641&andor1=bg Wagmatcook Cultural Centre is located in Wagmatcook, on the Trans Canada Highway. The centre has a restuarant and gift shop showcasing Mi'kmaw crafts, and hosts monthly lectures on Mi'kmaw culture http://www.wagmatcookcentre.com/ Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada is a major must-see on the island. The Fortress of Louisbourg was a significant French stronghold in North America in the 1700s, at one time the fourth largest port on the continent and the site of decisive wars for control between France and Britain. One quarter of the Fortress (both town and fortifications) has been reconstructed, and during the summer costumed interpreters show you a glimpse of what life was once like here. The sight is highly significant in Canadian history, and could easily occupy a day of exploring. Louisbourg also had important relationships with the Mi'kmaw community, and the site now hosts an interpretive trail to help you understand that link better. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index.aspx Highland Village Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Cape Breton's Scottish community, which makes up the majority of the island's present heritage. This site also offers reconstructions, but shows the evolution of life-housing, culture, work, and language-through time, beginning in Scotland, and ending in modern Cape Breton. https://highlandvillage.novascotia.ca/ Les Trois Pignons is a museum in the Acadian community of Chéticamp which showcases that community's cultural heritage, with a particular focus on Chéticamp's traditional rug hooking. http://www.lestroispignons.com/ Glace Bay Miner's Museum showcases an important part of the island's history-the coal mining industry. The museum provides an excellent insight into the industry, working conditions, and the labour movement in the mines. Visitors also have the opportunity to tour an actual mine shaft. The museum also hosts musical acts-if you get the chance, I highly recommend seeing The Men of the Deeps, a choir made up of former coal miners, which plays shows at the museum from time to time. http://www.minersmuseum.com/