Historical Sites

RAVENWOOD

Ravenwood is an example of the type of houses which the ‘landed gentry’ built in the lots
surrounding early Charlottetown. Only a few such houses remain. It was built for Sir William
Johnson in the early 1820's. It occupies an imposing site, and at the time of its construction, one
could see the harbour in the fall when the foliage had gone.

In 1909, when the Government of Canada assumed responsibility for the land, Ravenwood was
in need of repair. A verandah which was on three sides of the house was removed. The bay
windows, the belvedere and the portico were added in 1910. Because of the many alterations
which have been carried out. Ravenwood is a recognized historic site; rather than a designated
historic site.

Ravenwood was a home for the various directors of the Experimental Farm/ Research Station.
Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd MacLeod and their family were the last occupants. Today, Ravenwood is a
home for the offices of the Island Nature Trust.

In the concept plan prepared for this site. Ravenwood occupies a central position.


THE ROYAL FOREST

In front of Ravenwood is a large group of tall trees, and this area has been called the “Royal
Forest”. Various members of the British royalty have planted trees here when visiting Prince
Edward Island. Many of the Governor Generals of Canada have also participated in tree planting.
The first such tree is an American elm, planted on July 30th, 1912, by the Duke of Connaught,
then Governor General of Canada. H.R.H. Charles, Prince of Wales planted an English oak on
June 27th,1983.
Many of the Farm/Station directors have also planted trees here. A total of 29 trees have been
planted in this manner.

North of the Royal Forest is the picnic area and here a number of trees have been planted by
Premiers of PEI, and others.


The Lily Pond

One of the interesting attractions on the Experimental Farm has been the large lily pond. When
the Experimental Farm was established in 1909, there were three such ponds on the site. Clay for
the pottery had been extracted along the ridge located on the west side of the buildings. Two of
the sites were filled in, and water lilies were introduced into the remaining pond.