Liverpool: Port of the Privateers
What is a privateer? This was a pirate ship that carried special permission from one country to attack ships of another country or countries. the only item that separated it from piracy was a “Letter of Marque,” a sort of “get out of jail free card.” So if a privateer had a letter from the British king he could pillage American, French and Dutch ships but not British ones. In return the privateers could keep the ship, goods, prisoners and other items. In many cases the captains of these ships became rich.
Despite its small-town appearance Liverpool, Nova Scotia was once second to only Halifax in its importance to the province. It even boasted its own bank, The Bank of Liverpool, until 1871 when steam shipping cut the town’s importance to the economy of Eastern Canada.
Before the Europeans arrived it was a seasonal camp for the Mi’kmaq natives. Then the Acadians, French colonists, began the settlement of Lingley on the Rossignol River. During the French-Indian War the Acadians were evicted and New Englanders arrived to use the post as a fishing base. It was then that the town name was changed to Liverpool and the river named the Mersey.
The fortune of the town grew during the War of 1812 when privateers,legalized pirates under the British flag, used Liverpool as a port. Legendary names such as The Liverpool Packet and The Rover raided American ships and small outposts on the American seaboard earning names and fortunes for men like Enos Collins and John Barss. With the cessation of hostilties Liverpool entered its golden era with ship building, lumber and fishing leading the way.
Today, Liverpool is rebounding from being another sleepy seaside village into a vibrant center on the South Shore. Despite not having the shopping of Halifax the larger center of Bridgewater is only 35 minutes away.
White Point Beach Resort is only 7 miles away and The Quarterdeck Beachside Villas is only 5 miles further. The town is also a hub for outdoor adventurists who can travel up to Kejumkujik Provincial Park or stroll along the Adjunct. Sea kayaking is also a big draw as is surfing.
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