Early Settlement

Antigonish’s history dates back to the early 17th century, with the Mi’kmaq people as the region’s original inhabitants. European presence began in the 1650s when French settlers arrived but faced resistance from the Mi’kmaq. The area saw significant Scottish settlement in the 1770s due to the Highland Clearances, leading to a strong Scottish influence that persists today.

Development and Growth

The town was initially known as Dorchester when British soldiers settled there in 1784. It was renamed Antigonish – a name derived from the Mi’kmaq word “Articougnesche,” meaning “where bears tear branches off trees” – in the early 19th century. The settlement expanded with the arrival of various groups, including Acadian French, Irish Loyalists, and free black citizens post-American Revolution.

Educational and Religious Influence

St. Francis Xavier University, a major educational institution, was established in Antigonish in 1855, significantly impacting the town’s development and culture. The town also became a religious center with the construction of St. Ninian’s Cathedral in 1868.

The Antigonish Movement
In the 20th century, the town gained recognition for the Antigonish Movement, a community-based adult education and cooperative movement initiated by local educators and priests from St. Francis Xavier University.

Modern Development

Antigonish continued to develop throughout the 20th century, marked by infrastructure improvements like the twinning of Highway 104 and economic growth in retail and service sectors. The town is also known for hosting the annual Highland Games, a tradition since 1863.

For more detailed information, you can visit the original sources: Wikipedia, Town of Antigonish, and The Canadian Encyclopedia.