Bridgetown originally was a small Acadian settlement called Gaudetville established along the Annapolis River in the 1600‘s. The Acadians were attracted to the area due to the rich soils of the river’s tidal marshes which they drained and farmed. In 1755 the British expelled the Acadians from the region and the Nova Scotia Government expropriated the vacant lands. 4 years later a land grant proclamation laid out 200 plots of land, 500 acres each. They ran from the north side of the Annapolis River to the Bay of Fundy. The plots were 800 to 1000 feet wide and were quickly settled by New England “planters”.
In 1770, John Hicks began to operate a ferry service to cross the Annapolis River. It was the only crossing point above Annapolis Royal. This service operated for 33 years, when in 1803, the first bridge was constructed. Bridgetown then became the name of the town in 1821, named after its most prominent feature. IT was formally incorporated in 1897.
Today Bridgetown is home to just over 1000 citizens. It remains a quiet and cozy town rich in beauty and history. Bridgetown plays host to the annual Bridgetown Ciderfest. A fall festival celebrating the apple harvest in the beautiful Annapolis Valley.