Habitant (inhabitant) In NEW FRANCE
, habitants were free proprietors who were differentiated from indentured servants and those whose stay was perceived to be temporary. By the late 17th century, "habitant" came to mean peasant proprietor, as opposed to seigneur or town resident. Finally, in the waning years of the 18th century, when landless peasants had become common, all those who earned their living from agricultural labour were known as habitants. See also SEIGNEURIAL SYSTEM
Cornelius Krieghoff, 1856, oil on canvas. This type of winter picturesque scene made him the most popular painter in Canada in his day (courtesy NGC).
Links to Other Sites
This site documents the history of the Seigneurial system in Canada. From the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Raid on Deerfield
A narrated history of the 1704 Raid on Deerfield and its aftermath from Native and European perspectives. Also features fascinating stories about Native societies, cultures, trade practices, and traditions. This multimedia website is from the Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts.