The information for this story is from the following: Seal Island - An Echo From The Past by Sonia Wickens; Mary Hichens and Her Namesake by Hattie Perry; and the Internet site:
http://www2ardenneinternational.com/nova-scotia/shoreweb/welcome.html
NOTE: Not valid March 28, 2003

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THE HICHENSES' LIFE ON SEAL ISLAND

A Bit of Seal Island's History

Seal Island is located 18 miles west of Cape Sable Island in Shelburne County. Seal Island is about three miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point.

At first there were four islands called the Seal Islands. They were named this because of the many seals living on them. Three of the islands were later named Mud Island, Flat Island, and Noddy Island, while the largest remained known as Seal Island.

The rocks surrounding Seal Island were very dangerous. Champlain called them "The Sea Wolves." Many ships were wrecked on Seal Island and many people died. Every spring, fishermen would gather and bury the dead from the winter's shipwrecks. On one day, 21 bodies were found and buried.