Page:The history of Grand-Pre by Herbin, John Frederic.djvu/20

A commemorative structure of a permanent character will before long be erected at Grand-Pré. In the history of this part of Acadia it was the most clearly marked and important place in Minas. Winslow and his soldiers were encamped there in 1755. It was the last to be destroyed when the Acadians were removed. Grand-Pré is the home of Longfellow's "Evangeline," and a stone memorial there would be fitting to perpetuate the name of the poet, as well as to mark the spot he has made famous, and to stand among the few landmarks of the departed people which have come down to us from their day. The row of willows they set out alongside the church road must in time fall into decay. The depression in the earth which was once a cellar will be filled up. The well may cease to exist. The site of the Acadian church is less plainly discernible every year. Not a trace remains of the cemetery. Time is obliterating the Acadian roads. Imperishable marble should now mark the place, and tell its history to the many persons who come every year to look upon what remains of the once populous Grand-Pré of the Acadians. A fund is now being raised for the purpose of making of this ground an Acadian and Longfellow Memorial Park.