Stewart, John National Historic Person
Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island
Captain John Stewart
© Prince Edward Island Public Archives and Records Office (PAROPEI Acc 2320/2-1) | Bureau des archives et des documents publics de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard (PAROPEI Acc 2320/2-1) / Bill Rose Collection | Collection Bill Rose
Address :
Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2022-01-11
Life Date:
1758 to 1834
Other Name(s):
-
John Stewart (1758-1834)
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2020-02, 2020-02-A, 2021-10, 2021-10-A
Importance:
Author of the first written history of the colony of Prince Edward Island
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Hillsborough River Eco-Centre, 104 Main Street, Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island
This combative and controversial political figure, widely known as “Hellfire Jack,” authored the first history of Prince Edward Island. Born in Scotland, he came to the Island in 1775. His 1806 book, An Account of Prince Edward Island, is an important and lasting contribution to the understanding of the Island’s history, geography, and politics. His keen observations of the region’s flora and fauna provide a rich ecological portrait of the time. As a member of the colonial elite, he held prominent government offices, served in the military, and accumulated large land holdings. He died at his nearby estate, Mount Stewart.