The Story of Evangeline
The history of Grand Pré is full of courage bravery and sorrow. The lives of the Acadians were filled
with culture, a strong sense of community and a devotion to the land they loved. Longfellow's
fictional tale of Evangeline and Gabriel depicts the story of the deportation and is an striking example
of the loss the Acadians suffered. Throughout this region, you will be reminded of the story of the
tragic "Expulsion of the Acadians".
It all started with the settling of Grand Pré. From Port Royal in 1680, came two families seeking
serenity from the perils that threatened Port Royal. For fourteen years they prospered in this sheltered
and beautiful countryside. The citizens of this village worked together on the dykes, reclaiming the
level lowlands from the tides. As the French population of Grand Pré increased and spread over a wide
district, there soon became more Acadians than the English at Annapolis. Gradually they were drawn
into the side currents of the contest that waged between the French in Louisbourg and Quebec, and the
English of Acadia and New England.
In 1711, fresh disturbances arose between France and England and in 1745 Louisbourg fell to New
England troops. In a few years the French arrived, most of the New England officers were killed in the
battle that ensued. On September 5, 1755, the heads of Acadian families were assembled in the church
of "St. Charles" in Grand Pré, to advise them that they and their families were to be deported and their
lands confiscated. Many of them buried considerable quantities of dollars and other keepsakes in the
earth which were later found by the English. In the end, it became impossible to keep families together.
This event has been immortalized by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, when he wrote
his epic poem "Evangeline." It is a tale of lovers; Evangeline is separated from her betrothed, Gabriel,
never to find him until he lies dying because of the Acadian expulsion of 1755. A beautiful bronze
statue of the fictional heroine Evangeline, symbolizes the tragedy of the Deportation. The "Expulsion
of the Acadians" remains for all time the most tragic occurrence in Canada's history and part of our
local heritage.
Evangeline was a beautiful girl - kind and loving. She cared for her father, Benedict Bellefontaine, the
wealthiest farmer in Grand Pré. Everyone loved Evangeline, but Gabriel, son of Basil the Blacksmith,
loved her most of all.
Evangeline and Gabriel spent much of their lives together working with their families. As the years
passed, deep true love grew between them. In the fall of 1755 they decided to be married.
On September 5, 1755 Grand Pré as the Acadians celebrated the coming wedding, Evangeline and
Gabriel looked so happy. Everyone in Grand Pré knew this couple was meant to be together.
But then the church bell began to ring, and all the men were called into the church by the British
guards and soldiers who came from the British ships in the Bay. Gabriel, Basil and Benedict, along
with the rest, were told that they were going to be sent away from Grand Pré. When Gabriel tried to
leave the church, he was made to stay.
The awful news slowly found its way to Evangeline and the other women and children outside.
Evangeline walked among her friends offering support and comfort to all she could.
Evangeline tried to stay cheerful. She told Gabriel not to be sad and that true love will keep them from
harm.
Five days later, the Acadian people were indeed driven from their homes with only what they could
carry. Some families were separated in the confusion of being loaded onto the boats including Gabriel
and his father.
Night came, Evangeline tried to comfort her father, while they waited to be loaded onto a ship. From
the housetops and barn roofs, fire flashed and lit up the sky. When Benedict saw his farm burning, his
whole life disappearing in the smoke and flames, it broke his heart and he died. In the morning,
Evangeline and Father Felician buried him.
At last, Evangeline was loaded onto a ship. The British ships took the Acadian people to many
different places along the eastern coast of North America, left to start their lives again.
Evangeline spent her life searching for Gabriel, praying to be together with him again. As the years
passed, many people tried to tell Evangeline to give up her search but she would tell them and assure
them that she will find him and that she will not stop searching.
As the long sad years of her life passed, Evangeline was seen in tents of missions, in noisy camps and
battlefields; in small villages and in big cites. She grew tired and old, when, in disappointment, she
gave up her search.
One Sunday morning, while climbing the stairs to those awaiting her kindness, Evangeline felt an
unusual calmness come over her. On a bed near the top of the stairs, Evangeline saw an old man - long
and thin, with grey curls around his face.
It was her own sweet Gabriel's face! She ran to him and knelt beside him, tears of joy streaming down
her cheeks. Gabriel could not speak or get up. Evangeline kissed him, and told him once more not to be
sad, that true love has kept them from harm and that they are together now and always will be. She
held him close to her as he died in her arms.
She kissed him again, then bowed her head in thanks. She found her beloved Gabriel at last.
Side by side, in their nameless graves, Evangeline and Gabriel lie sleeping - far from Grand Pré, but
together forever.
Credited to: Evangeline Trails Association website