Tourism and National Park Status
The international acclaim of Montgomery's novels made Cavendish into a popular tourist destination in the province beginning in the early 20th century. This led to the establishment of Prince Edward Island National Park in the 1930s. The park's boundaries encompassed the Green Gables homestead and the building became the property of the Government of Canada.
In keeping with the early 20th century philosophy of Canada's national parks being vehicles for tourism, as opposed to conservation, the farmland surrounding Green Gables house was developed into a golf course, designed by world-renowned architect Stanley Thompson.
In addition to being located within park boundaries, the Green Gables farmhouse is designated a National Historic Site for its importance in literary history, and is one of the most-visited historic sites in the country. The farmhouse exterior has not changed remarkably over time, and its interior decor and artifacts depict the late Victorian Period in rural Prince Edward Island. Guided and self-guided tours may be taken of the house and surroundings with Parks Canada interpretive staff available throughout the site. Various rooms in the house have been named according to the Anne of Green Gables story.
Read more about this topic: Green Gables
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