24 Facts About Rose Fortune

Rose Fortune was a child born in or around Philadelphia of runaway slaves.

Rose Fortune's parents became Black Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War when they pledged to be loyal to the British Army in exchange for their freedom.

At around the age of 10, Rose was among the approximately 3,000 Black Loyalists who sailed from New York City to Nova Scotia in 1783.

Rose Fortune had at least three children and is thought to have been married twice.

Rose Fortune became the first female police officer in North America when she instituted and enforced curfews to keep the streets safe at night.

Rose Fortune is remembered for her business sense, strength, and courage.

Rose Fortune's family were among the 3,000 Black Loyalists who supported the British during the war and at the end of the war were transported from New York to Nova Scotia, a British territory.

Baptismal records of Rev Roger Veits seem to indicate that Rose Fortune was living in Freeport, Long Island, Nova Scotia in the year 1795.

Rose Fortune started her own business when Black Canadians and especially women were not encouraged to do so.

Around 1825, Rose Fortune began carting passengers' luggage between the Saint John-Digby-Annapolis ferry docks and nearby homes and hotels.

Rose Fortune became a trusted figure for travellers, helping them find accommodation and ensuring they made their connections to schooners and steamships.

Rose Fortune woke up guests at inns so that they could meet their ferries on time.

Rose Fortune was well known by the town's leaders and she had limited competition due to her reputation.

Rose Fortune was the only person responsible for law and order in Annapolis for a time and is said to be the first female police officer on the American continent.

Rose Fortune was married several times, as noted in the St Luke's Church of England record books.

Rose Fortune had two daughters and at least three children.

Rose Fortune helped other blacks escape slavery on the Underground Railroad by leading runaways to locations that were safe.

Rose Fortune died in Nova Scotia on February 20,1864 at around the age of 90.

Rose Fortune's funeral was held at St Luke's, Church of England, Annapolis Royal.

Rose Fortune was buried at Garrison Cemetery in Fort Anne in an unmarked location.

When Black Loyalists, like Rose Fortune, came to Nova Scotia they were subject to racial prejudice, barriers to opportunities, and economic marginalization, in which they did not receive pay commensurate with white people.

Rose Fortune was subject to physical threats as a woman.

Rose Fortune became a "respected and prominent member of the community" by making her own opportunities.

Rose Fortune was named a National Historic Person on January 12,2018.