On a river in the southwest region of Nova Scotia, an inquiry led by a historical investigator is revealing forgotten remnants from North America’s history. Allains River, previously known as Lequille River, meanders as a tributary of the Annapolis River, traversing the province’s interior to Annapolis Royal today.
Around four centuries back, the river housed one of the earliest industrial establishments post-colonization: a flour mill established in 1607 and subsequently destroyed by a fire in 1643. The precise location of this mill remained a mystery for generations. However, an amateur historian from the United States, along with a team of researchers and archaeologists, is making headway in pinpointing its whereabouts. This endeavor not only illuminates the history of colonization but also sheds light on the interactions and enduring presence of the Mi’kmaw people in Nova Scotia.
Mark Borton, a writer from Connecticut spearheading the quest for the Poutrincourt gristmill, expressed the significance of uncovering this historical site. The need for a flour mill arose in 1605 when a fortified fur-trade post was established at Port Royal, as noted by Samuel de Champlain. The mill, known as the Poutrincourt gristmill, a water-powered facility for grain grinding, is depicted on maps from that era, including Champlain’s own map.
Following his retirement from a career in creating boating guidebooks, Borton’s interest in tidal power and the Bay of Fundy led him to stumble upon Champlain’s map during a visit to the Maritimes in 2018. Recognizing the mill’s importance, Borton embarked on a quest to locate this significant historical site. By scrutinizing Champlain’s map and overlaying its elements on present-day geographical features, Borton narrowed down a potential site. Through remote investigation using Google Maps, he identified a faint square at the marsh’s edge, suggesting a potential foundation.
Challenges persisted as historical maps did not faithfully represent the landscape, leading to various theories about the mill’s location over the years. Borton’s fresh perspective places the mill at a location beyond conventional theories. Utilizing Champlain’s map, Borton’s investigation led him to ascertain a site that aligns with historical accounts.
Collaborating with the Nova Scotia Museum, Borton delved deeper into the history of the area. Radiocarbon dating of samples collected from wood and brush piles within the dikes provided crucial data to substantiate their findings.
The project also involves archaeologists from Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn and Saint Mary’s University, focusing on the era’s significance as a period of French-Mi’kmaq interactions and exchange. Allains River serves as a pivotal location where the European and Mi’kmaw histories converge, showcasing a shared landscape rich with historical significance.
Moving forward, the team plans to use ground-penetrating radar to further explore the mill site. This collaborative effort not only unearths hidden historical treasures but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and preservation. With discoveries of several other mill sites in the vicinity, Borton’s investigations highlight the need for conservation to honor the multicultural heritage of the region.
