Description The Scottish Town 1773

Welcome to Pictou-- the old scottish Town. Now that you are here, what is there to see and how do you get there? Well, here are a few of the interesting scenic and historical parts of our town and vicinity. Follow the sign of the thistle and check the numbers on the reverse side for an interesting, informative tour.

 Starting from the Information Booth ( No. 1 on the map) and follow the route. Follow the old road and No. 2 on your right is Sherbrooke Cottage built with bricks brought as ballast from the sailing shipd of the early days . This is the original house of Reverend Thomas McCulloch , educationist and pioneer historian. Next, No.3 , on your Left-- The MacGergor Cairn commemorating Reverend James Drummond MacGergor, pioneer Presbyterian Minister, who preached the first sermon in Pictou County in 1786. Turn and proceed to No.4 , the original home of Edward Mortimer built in 1807and later the home of Lord Strathcona. At point No. 5 on the shore of Pictou Harbour, view the landing site of the original settlers who arrived on the ship "HECTOR" from Scotland in 11773. These settlers were the forefathers of the town of pictou and are responsible for Scottish ancestry of the present inhabitants.

  Coninuing towards the centre of the Town, we come to No. 6 --Henderson's Show Store-- the oldest retail show store in Canada, starting in 1831. No.7 , now McKenna's Drug Store but formerly the store of J.D.B. Fraser, The first person in North America to manufacture chloroform in the year 1848.

 Following the route to No.8 --The Shire Shop, located in a stone building typical of the old stone houses occupied by the early inhabitants, Continuing the route to No.9 , you may observe the Dawson Cairn on your right. This Cairn commemorates Sir William Dawson, geologist and scholar, later to become McGill University's first President. On your left , as you continue your journey, is No.10--The Hector Monument--located on beautiful Hector Square and commemorating the arrival of the first settlers of Pictou. No.11 -- the First Presbyterian Church, the church of Reverend James D. MacGregor. John Geddie, the first missonary to the south seas from North America, was sent forth by this congregation in 1846. Further on the right is No. 12 , a momument commemorating the site of the first Pictou Academy , follow the route to No. 13 . Here Visitors may see the beautiful setting of this historical educationald centre which has contributed learned scholars to many parts of Canada and the United States.

  we are proud of our scenic views and we recommend to our vistors the view from No. 14 -- The Pictou Golf Club. Here one may see a panorammic view of the Harbour entrance, the placid waters of Pictou Harbour with its surrounding hills forming a natural background. To the right-- the Ferguson Shipyard and the site of the sailing of the " ROYAL WILLIAM" in 1833, the first vessel to cross the atlantic Ocean using steam power all the way.

 Visitors should not miss the oppportunity to visit Pictou Lodge, No .15 , on your guidance map and three miles journey from Pictou-- a beautiful view of Northumberland strait and the off- shore Pictou island.

 We hope you enjoyed the tour of our area and we trust when you depart you will take with you pleasant memories of Pictou--the old Scottish Town .