Settlement Patterns in Nova Scotia

Identifying the time and place that an ancestor settled in Nova Scotia helps to pinpoint the geographic area of origin of the immigrant and the reasons for settling in Nova Scotia. Methodologies for understanding migration patterns are keystones for genealogical research and are particularly helpful for Nova Scotia study, as many ethnic groups migrated to Nova Scotia over different time periods. American migration into Nova Scotia occurred during three main waves: the New England Planter migration during the 1760’s, the Loyalist migration in the early 1780’s, and the Chesapeake Bay migration after the War of 1812. New England Planters settled in and around Annapolis immediately after the Acadian deportation in 1755 to the 1770’s. The New England Planters group is well-documented through a variety of genealogical and historical resources, including land records. Planters and Pioneers in Nova Scotia 1749 – 1775 by Esther Clark Wright, available for research use at the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, documents all known settlers in Nova Scotia from the Planter timeframe. Utilizing this source I was able to pinpoint the date of immigration and place of origin of my mother’s ancestors, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1759 from Massachusetts and New Hampshire during the New England Planter settlement period. For additional information about settlement in Nova Scotia by various ethnic groups please visit the Nova Scotia travel and history website at http://www.novascotia.com/explore/culture.