Prince Edward Island

   Under the name of Isle St. John, it appears in Champlain's narrative and on his map. The name is found on earlier maps, and both the discovery and naming of the island have been attributed to Cabot, and again to Cartier, but without sufficient proof. It bore that name until the year 1798, when the present form was adopted, in honour of the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria. During the French régime, it was largely settled by Acadian families, but these were expelled after the island came under British rule. In 1769 the island was granted to a number of proprietors, and settlement was very slow. It formed part of Nova Scotia until 1769, when it was made a separate province. Responsible government was granted in 1851; and in 1873 the province entered Confederation.

   Index: E Land question in, 143-144; 174-175. B Withdraws from Confederation scheme, 185-186. Md Electors reject proposals of Quebec Conference in 1865, 147; again reject Confederation terms in 1866, 147; Macdonald's interest in acquisition of, 148; financial difficulties lead to union in 1873, 148-149; railway debt of, assumed by Canada, 149. Dr Carleton arranges to visit, 235; difficulty in transfer of governorship from Patterson to Fanning, 235. See alsoCharlottetown.

   Bib.: Campbell, History of Prince Edward Island.