Les Acadiens
Sculpture by Philippe Hébert, 1906.
Collection from the Seminary of Nicolet
Nicolet is situated approximately 20 km south-west of Trois-Rivières. Although very few residents today would know this, Nicolet was once considered the home of the Acadians in Quebec.
The Acadians were attracted to the area because they already knew the Parish Priest, Ferdinand Brassard formerly a Missionary in Acadia. Following the Fall of Quebec City to the British in 1759, Michel Pitre & Marie-Josephe Orillon will follow the Orillon family who settled in L'Île-à-la-Fourche.
L'Île-à-la-Fourche is seen on the left where the 'Rivière Nicolet' splits into a fork before meeting the St. Lawrence. On April 4th 1767, Michel Pitre, his father-in-law Charles Orillon and brother-in-law Jean-Baptiste Orillon will sign a contract for land concessions in front of Notary Paul Dielle.
Each had a contract requiring that they pay the arrears on the land they have been occupying for 4 years. The lots measure 4 arpents by 25 and cost them 9 pounds of rent and 3 cents of poll tax per year. Their land is situated on L'Île-à-la-Fourche, along the Nicolet river. They must share the point situated at 5 arpents from the river. They have the right to hunt and must clear the land, maintain the buildings and roads as well as supply wood if needed for the church, the presbytery , the manor, the mill and oak for the King of England's vessels. Rent must be paid each year on November 11th the St. Martin.
In early Fall of 1775, the Americans, overconfident from winning their war of independence, attacked Quebec City. Because of their mistrust for the British, many who settled in the Nicolet region followed other Acadians in helping the Americans during their raid.
Where the Nicolet River meets the St. Lawrence
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