Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst
| Port-la-Joye - Fort Amherst | |
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Warren Cove in Charlottetown Harbour, as viewed from the earthworks of Fort Amherst.
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| Location | Anchor Point in the community of Rocky Point, Prince Edward Island. |
| Coordinates | 46°11′50″N 63°8′13″W / 46.19722°N 63.13694°WCoordinates: 46°11′50″N 63°8′13″W / 46.19722°N 63.13694°W |
| Area | 90.75 hectares (224.2 acres) |
| Built | 1720-1770 |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
| Type | National Historic Site of Canada |
| Designated | May 27, 1958 |
 Location of Port-la-Joye - Fort Amherst in Prince Edward Island
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Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst is a National Historic Site located in Rocky Point, Prince Edward Island.
This location has the double distinction of hosting one of the first Acadian settlements in present-day Prince Edward Island, as well as the first military fortification on the island while under control of France as well as the first military fortification on the island while under control of Britain.
From 1720 to 1770 Port-la-Joye, later named Fort Amherst, served as the seat of government and port of entry for settlers to the island while under both French and British control. As such, it played an important role as a colonial outpost in the French-British struggle for dominance in North America.
The site was designated a National Historic Site by Alvin Hamilton, the Minister of Northern Affairs and National Resources, on May 27, 1958, on the advice of the national Historic Sites and Monuments Board. The property was acquired by the federal government in 1959, and the present visitor center opened in 1973.
The first European settlers in the area were French military personnel from Fortress Louisbourg who founded a settlement in 1720 named Port La-Joye on the southwestern part of the harbour opposite the present-day city of Charlottetown. This settlement effort was led by Michel Haché-Gallant, who used his sloop to transport Acadian settlers from Louisbourg on Île Royal.
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