A Birchtown Loyalist

During the American Revolution, the British government promised free land, provisions, political freedom, and religious liberty to Blacks who would move behind British lines. Prior to their departure, each was issued a document known as a "freedom certificate" certifying eligibility to embark. The majority of Black Loyalists were transported between April and September 1783. Their destinations in Nova Scotia included Brindley Town, Chedabucto, Little Tracadie, Preston, Halifax, Annapolis, Liverpool, McNutt's Island, Shelburne, Port Mouton, and Birchtown. Birchtown became the largest and most influential Free Black community in the region, and reportedly the largest outside Africa during the period.