Our History

Malpeque is the French spelling of the Mi’kmaq word Makpaak, meaning “large bay” or “big water.” The Mi’kmaq tribe of the Algonquin Nation came to Malpeque in 2500 B.C. and established a settlement here. There is evidence of Mi’kmaq settlements on Prince Edward Island (then known as Epekwitk, or Abegweit) dating back to approximately 10,000 years.

In 1534, French explorers “discovered” what they called Ile St. Jean. Settlers soon established farms and built their first church in the area in 1753. These French-speaking settlers became known as Acadians. During one of many colonial wars between France and the British Empire, the French fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island was lost to the British. Soon thereafter, the British arrived on the Island and ordered the deportation of the Acadian population. Thankfully, some residents of Malpeque escaped the deportation — including the Poirier family, who remained in the area until they moved away in 1931.

During the early stages of British settlement, the village of Princetown — located roughly between modern-day Malpeque and Cabot Beach Provincial Park — was designated as the capital of Prince County, the westernmost of the Island’s three counties as marked out by the cartographer Samuel Holland. Together with Charlottetown in Queen’s County and Georgetown in King’s County, Princetown was envisioned as a major hub of activity. However, the construction of roads to western portions of the colony gradually shifted traffic away from Princetown, and this decline in centrality allowed nearby communities like St. Eleanors and Summerside to rise in prominence. Summerside became the economic and administrative center for Prince County over time, ultimately overshadowing Princetown.

The communities that make up today’s Rural Municipality of Malpeque Bay — Indian River, Hamilton, Baltic, Malpeque, Darnley, Sea View, and Spring Valley — are rural in character. For generations, many residents lived and worked on small family farms that were largely self-sufficient. Neighbours would often help neighbours, particularly during spring planting, harvest time in the fall, and during long, difficult winters. Churches, community halls, and some businesses such as taverns and mills, served as focal points for community events.

There are various families still living in the area who can trace their roots back to early Scottish, Irish, French, and English settlers. Some of these families include:

  • Cameron

  • Gillis

  • Hickey

  • MacDonald, MacDougall, MacIntyre, MacKinnon, MacLellan, MacNeill, Morrison

  • Noonan

  • Shea

  • Ramsay

  • Tuplin

Located in a former Presbyterian church, the Keir Memorial Museum is an excellent place to learn more about the history of Malpeque and the surrounding area. You can visit their Facebook page to stay up to date with their hours and exhibits.