History of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

In 1689, Mathieu Martin "the first born Frenchman in Acadia" secured a seigneury along the Wecobequitk River at the site of present-day Truro. He founded the Acadian settlement of Cobequit.
Families named as Bourg, Blanchard, Aucoin, Benoit and others followed Martin and settled around Cobequit.
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By 1748 there were 142 families in the Cobequit district.

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In 1755, at the time of the expulsion of the Acadians by the English, the Acadians left their homes at Cobequit to avoid deportation and the villages were eventually burned by the English, discouraging the Acadians' return.

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In 1758, the Governor of Nova Scotia Charles Lawrence, issued a proclamation which was circulated in the New England colonies offering free land to settlers who would come to Nova Scotia.

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Captain Alexander McNutt applied for land for himself and others from New Hampshire. These people were of Scots-Irish descent, often referred to as Ulster Scots. In 1761, about 60 families came to settle Truro Township on the south side of the bay.

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The year 1858 can be considered the turning point in the history of Truro. In this year, the railway opened between Truro and Halifax. No other single factor in Truro’s history had such a profound effect on the life and growth of the community.
It brought new people, and more employment which increased commerce and business. It also had the effect of changing the former centre of the community from around the “Common” to one closer to the railway service. The railway line, with its potential to expand in several directions, gave rise to Truro’s nickname, “The Hub of Nova Scotia”.
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1870 - Church of the Immaculate Conception established at Truro

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1871 - The Presbyterian Church of Truro Nova Scotia, has had but three pastors in one hundred years.
The present pastor was installed in 1838. One of the elders has held office for sixty-seven years.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 11, 1871

1873
TRURO, an important market town of Nova Scotia, capital of Colchester co., situated 2 miles above the head of Cobequid Bay, and on the I. R., 61 miles from Halifax, 215 miles from St. John. It is one of the prettiest towns in the province, and contains, besides the county buildings, several churches and hotels, a branch bade, a telegraph office, the Provincial Normal and Model schools, and manufactories of engines, iron castings, axles, machinery, boots and shoes, lasts and pegs, hats, lout her, wooden ware, woolen, &c. Pop. 2,500.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1873 - Halifax, April 4. - Last night a coal train from Picton ran off the track west of Truro, and soon after the inter-colonial express train, from St. John, N.B., came along and ran into the freight train.
The engineer, CAMERON, and baggage-master, HUNT, were killed.
None of the passengers were injured. Among the passengers were the agents of the White Star Line, who were coming to this place to look after the Atlantic.
Knoxville Weekly Chronicle
Knoxville, Tennessee
April 9, 1873

1895 - Truro
Tru'ro, a town of Nova Scotia, capital of Colchester co., 2 miles above the head of Cobequid Bay, on the Inter colonial Railway, 61 miles N. by ' of Halifax, and 215 miles E. of St. John. It is one of the prettiest towns in the province, and contains the county buildings, several churches and hotels, a branch bank, the Provincial normal and model schools, and manufactories of engines, iron castings, axles, machinery, boots and shoes, lasts and pegs, hats, leather, wooden-ware, woollens, &c. Pop. 2500.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Truro, a town and seaport of Nova Scotia, capital of Colchester co., 2 miles above the head of Cobequid Bay on the Intercolonial and Midland Rs., and 61 miles N. by E. of Halifax. It is one of the most attractive towns in the province, and contains the county buildings, provincial normal and model schools, the Truro Academy, etc., and has manufactures of foundry-products, lasts and pegs, hats and caps, leather, knitted goods, condensed milk, etc. Near by is the beautiful Victoria (or Joseph Howe) Park. Pop. in 1901, 5993.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Truro
Truro, NS, incorporated as a town in 1875, population 12 059 (2011c), 11 765 (2006c). The Town of Truro is located along the Salmon River 100 km northeast of Halifax on Cobequid Bay, MINAS BASIN. The MIKMAQ had a village along the river and their name for the area described how the powerful TIDES affected the rivers flow near its mouth. Today their descendants form the nearby Millbrook First Nation.

A land grant including the area was awarded in 1689 by Louis XIV, and ACADIANS were present as early as 1701, finally leaving in 1755 in the turbulent year of the expulsion. The Acadians spelled the Mikmaq name as Cobequit (or Cobequid), and it received its present name in 1759 from New England settlers and likely honours Truro in Cornwall, Eng. Transports of settlers arrived in the 1760s and further development of the town began.

A major railway centre since the days of the INTERCOLONIAL RAILWAY, Truro is a terminus for people travelling to most parts of Nova Scotia. Metal... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Truro:
Victoria Park:

Enjoy the natural beauty of this large park with walking trails, a beautiful waterfall, and a charming gazebo.

Tidal Bore Viewing:

Truro is known for its tidal bore phenomenon. Check the schedule for the best times to witness the tidal bore on the Salmon River.

Truro Farmers' Market:

Experience local culture by exploring the Truro Farmers' Market, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

Colchester Historeum:

Delve into the history of the region at the Colchester Historeum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the area.

Cobequid Trail:

If you're into hiking, explore the Cobequid Trail, offering picturesque views of the landscape.

Marigold Cultural Centre:

Catch a show or an art exhibit at the Marigold Cultural Centre, a hub for the arts in Truro.

Rath Eastlink Community Centre:

Check out events and activities at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, which hosts sports events, concerts, and... Read MORE...