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Small Town Canada Spotlight: Backhouse Grist Mill
In another edition of Small Town Canada Spotlight, we’ll be learning about something very near and dear to my heart: the Backhouse Grist Mill in Norfolk County, Ontario. The Early Years Born in Yorkshire, England, John Backhouse emigrated to the United States in 1791 before relocating with his family to Upper Canada, where he acquired 600 acres of land in Norfolk County, Ontario by 1796. He quickly established himself as a pillar of the community, serving as a Major in the 1st Norfolk Militia during the War of 1812 and as chairman of the Quarter Sessions, then the chief instrument of local government. Just two years after settling in Norfolk…
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Small Town Canada 2025
Hello everyone! It’s been another wonderful year of adventures for Small Town Canada. Thank you to everyone who has read or watched any of my articles or videos in 2025. I have loved being able to share the history of more small towns with you and the stories that make them unique. Without your support, I wouldn’t be able to share the stories of these incredible small towns. In case anyone has missed a few of my visits or if you’re a new visitor to my website, below are the links to all the stops I made in 2025. In 2025, I completed my Nova Scotia series, highlighting more small…
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Small Town Canada Spotlight: The Pirates of Hall’s Harbour, Nova Scotia
In the newest edition of Small Town Canada Spotlight, we’ll be digging into the history of pirates in Hall’s Harbour, Nova Scotia. Hall’s Harbour has quite a fascinating past, marked by pirates pillaging the surrounding community on numerous occasions. A Pirating Past Hall’s Harbour was named after Samuel Hall, an American privateer during the American Revolution who used the cove and the surrounding Bay of Fundy to raid settlements in the Annapolis Valley. Hall was the pilot and guide for an expedition of 17 men on the ship, the MM Jane, under Captain Gow. The crew made several expeditions into the valley, taking cattle and robbing houses and stores along…
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The History of Margaretsville, Nova Scotia
Annapolis County, est. 212 residents Margaretsville, Nova Scotia, is a rural community that boasts stunning views of the Bay of Fundy shore. Before Dr. John Halliburton was granted the land in the 1780s, the Annapolis Valley region was inhabited by the Mi’kmaq, who lived peacefully off the land until settlers arrived. Halliburton was a Loyalist refugee from Rhode Island and was granted land in the Wilmot Township area of the province. Originally from Scotland, Halliburton had moved to the United States after serving as a surgeon aboard a British frigate during the Seven Years’ War. He settled in Newport in 1776, where he worked as a British spy before circumstances…
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Small Town Canada Spotlight: Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
In another edition of Small Town Canada Spotlight, we'll be diving into the history of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, located near Maitland Bridge, Nova Scotia.
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Small Town Canada Spotlight: The LaHave Light Station
In this edition of Small Town Canada Spotlight, we'll be looking at the history of the LaHave Light Station located in the coastal village of LaHave, Nova Scotia. While this lighthouse isn't as widely known as others across the province, it still played a significant role in the community's development.
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The History of LaHave, Nova Scotia
LaHave, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque coastal community nestled along the mouth of the LaHave River.
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Small Town Canada Spotlight: The Three Churches of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
In another edition of Small Town Canada Spotlight, we'll be looking at the iconic Three Churches that make for a stunning backdrop of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
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The History of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, is a quaint coastal town known for its unique shops and picturesque views of its historic Three Churches.
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The History of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque village with a rich and extensive wartime history.
