Birchtown Cottage
Named after the area it over looks, the Birchtown
cottage is themed
with our Black Loyalist history. During the American Revolution slaves
were promised freedom and land if they helped the British fight the
rebels. When the war ended in 1783 those former slaves who were
promised land were sent here to Shelburne Harbour. Helping them get to
Shelburne from New York was a man by the name of General Birch. When
the 1500 Blacks reached this new land they named the area they were
given after the
General. Having come from the warmer climate of the south with a
background in farming, these slaves were coldly and thoughtlessly given
the rocky, uncultivated soil of Birchtown (we don't call it BOULDER
Cove just because it's catchy). For years these former slaves had
nothing and received no help from the governing bodies. It is a
fascinating story of strength and perseverance that is all told in the
little schoolhouse museum in Birchtown. To learn more see our activities
page. In short, the cottage features a skylight over the large
airjet tub, perfect for watching the falling stars. The Lockeport and
Birchtown cottages are perfect for guests wishing to book two
cottages, as they are the closest together.
Here is a picture of the view from the cottage as the sun sets
behind the horizon.
