French Settlement of Acadia

Background. Acadia was a colony of New France in northeastern North America, including parts of the Maritime provinces, Gaspé Peninsula, and Maine. The name originated from Giovanni da Verrazzano's 16th-century map, applying the Greek name 'Arcadia' to the Atlantic coast north of Virginia. Prior to European arrival, the Mi'kmaq had lived in the region for thousands of years.

Settlement. The first French settlement was established by Pierre Dugua de Mons, Governor of Acadia, under the authority of King Henri IV, on Saint Croix Island in 1604. Settlers primarily came from the southwestern regions of France, including Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine. Most immigrants were poor peasants, making them social equals in this new context.