Annapolis

Annapolis, Annapolic County — It is said that Champlain was filled with admiration with the security and spaciousness of this place and gave it the name "Port Royal". It was founded by De Monts in 1604. In some old documents this name appears as "Royal Haven". The Mi`kmaq name for Annapolis River was "Taoopskek" meaning flowing out between rocks. The River was for a short time called by the French the "Dauphin", meaning the eldest son of royalty. It received its present name from the English in 1710 in honor of Queen Anne of England. The name was formed by connecting the name of Queen Anne with the Greek word "polls" meaning city. It was one of the five earliest counties of the Province which were formed in the year 1759. The settlement was destroyed by Sir Samuel Argyle in the year 1618 in the name of Great Britain.

Annapolis was the capital of Nova Scotia from 1710 to 1749, when Halifax became the capital.

Annapolis County was divided into four townships — Annapolis, Granville, Wilmot and Clements.

Annapolis was captured by the English in 1654, restored to the French in 1668, again captured in 1690 and again restored in 1697; finally captured by Nicholson in 1710, when it was renamed.

1620-1630 an ephemeral Scottish Colony was located at Annapolis. In 1626 it was captured by Sir David Kirk with an English Fleet. In 1634 it was granted to Claude de Ragilly.
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