Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board unveil plaque that honours the national historic significance of John Stewart

Stewart authored what is considered the first written history of the colony of PEI

MOUNT STEWART, PE, Sept. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As the author of An Account of Prince Edward Island (1806), John Stewart (1758-1834) made an important contribution to the understanding and interpretation of the Island's history, ecology, and natural resources.

Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the national historic significance of John Stewart with a special ceremony to unveil a plaque at the Hillsborough River Eco-Centre in Mount Stewart. The plaque commemorating John Stewart is trilingual—English, French and Mi'kmaq—aligning with the series of trilingual Canadian Heritage Rivers plaques located along the Hillsborough River. 

Known as "Hellfire Jack" for his fiery temperament, Stewart was an author, politician, and office holder who had a considerable influence on early colonial Prince Edward Island. Regarded as the Island's first historian, Stewart wrote An Account of Prince Edward Island that included a historical overview of the Island, a detailed description of its geography and resources, and an outline of the growth of European settlement. The book also includes encyclopedic descriptions of Island flora and fauna before European agricultural practices came to dominate the landscape. The book contains only brief references to Mi'kmaw culture. Nevertheless, Stewart's Account had a lasting impact on understandings of the Island's history and ecology, while also reflecting a perspective that undoubtedly affected communities like the Mi'kmaq and Roman Catholic islanders.

The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide.

National historic designations illustrate the defining moments in the story of Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country. Heritage places provide a wide range of cultural, social, economic, and environmental benefits to their communities. 

Quotes

"I am pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of author John Stewart, the namesake of the Rural Municipality of Mount Stewart. Stewart's An Account of Prince Edward Island provides a rare glimpse into the natural world on the Island in the early 19^th century and has continued to be an important resource for the environmental and natural history of PEI. National historic designations recognize the significant people, places, and events that have shaped the Canada we know today, reflecting the scope of our shared history—both the proud and the painful. I encourage everyone to learn more about John Stewart and his important contributions to Canada's heritage."

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Minister responsible for Official Languages

"The Hillsborough River Association is delighted that John Stewart of Mount Stewart, PEI is formally being recognized as a person of national historic significance through the unveiling of this bronze plaque. Besides his political and cultural contributions, Captain Stewart's book documents in rich detail the natural history of the Island and includes comprehensive sections on soil, agricultural production, forestry, native mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and insects, and climate. As a keen observer of all aspects of life on the Island, it is noteworthy that he imparted his knowledge in his book written almost 220 years ago and now considered a treasure of historic value."

Dan McAskill
President, Hillsborough River Association

"John Stewart is one of many Canadian historical figures who left a mixed legacy. For those who looked only at his political career he was often seen as a scoundrel, known as "Hellfire Jack" to his opponents. Today we celebrate his wider importance, most importantly in the contribution he made to writing of the natural history of the colony, a source which continues to be consulted after more than two hundred years."

Harry Holman
PEI Representative of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

Quick Facts

• Hillsborough River was designated in 1997 as part of the Canadian Heritage River System.
• Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national historic significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized and these important stories are shared with Canadians.
• The designation of persons, places and events of national historic significance in Canada helps to tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country. Heritage places provide a wide range of cultural, social, economic, and environmental benefits to their communities. 
• Virtually every nomination brought forward for the consideration of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada originate from members of the public. To nominate a person, place or historical event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/proposer-nominate.
• Parks Canada is committed to working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a new and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives.

Related Documents

Backgrounder - John Stewart (1758 —1834)

Related Links

News Release: Government of Canada recognizes PEI author, John Stewart, with historic designation
Parks Canada
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Framework for History and Commemoration

http://www.twitter.com/parkscanada

SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)

Contacts: Stacey Evans, Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer, PEI Field Unit, Parks Canada, 782-377-2340, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, [email protected]