History of Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada

Amherst, formerly Fort Lawrence, a port of entry of Nova Scotia, the capital of Cumberland co., on an arm of Cumberland Bay, and on the Intercolonial Railway, 9 miles from Sackville, N.B., and 138 miles W. by N. of Halifax. It contains the county and railway buildings, about 30 stores, several churches, hotels, mills, and factories, an iron foundry, 2 tanneries, a weekly newspaper, and a branch bank. It has a large trade especially in lumber and ship building. Pop. 2000.

Amherst, formerly Fort Lawrence, a port of entry of Nova Scotia, the capital of Cumberland co., on an arm of Cumberland Bay and on the Intercolonial R., 9 miles from Sackville, N.B., and 138 miles W. by N. of Halifax. It has shoe- and other factories, tanneries, iron-foundries, etc., and is the centre of a large trade, especially in lumber and ship-building. Pop. in 1901, 4963.

Amherst, NS, incorporated as a town in 1889, population 9717 (2011c), 9505 (2006c). The Town of Amherst is located near the border with New Brunswick, 15 km east of Sackville, NB. Settlement began in the 1830s, but it was not until shortly before WWI that Amherst became an important regional centre. It boasted a railway-car factory with 2000 workers and an engineering company with an international reputation, as well as factories making woollen goods, enamel products, footwear and pianos. Its population was almost as large in 1914 as it is today. After WWI, the town's economy collapsed along with that of many Maritime centres as a result of economic policies that favoured central Canada. In the 1920s thousands of Amherst residents left in search of work in New England and Western Canada.

Present Day
Today Amherst is a service centre for the surrounding agricultural community and supports a growing industrial base, including manufacturers of plastics, telephone and...

Fort Beauséjour National Historic Site: Start your journey through Amherst's history at this well-preserved fort. Learn about the conflicts between the French and British in the 18th century and explore the scenic walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Cumberland County Museum: Dive deeper into the town's history by visiting this museum. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the cultural and industrial heritage of the region.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs: Take a short drive to Joggins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional fossil discoveries. You can join guided tours to learn about the area's prehistoric past and see fossils dating back millions of years.

Dayton Fruit and Vegetable Stand: Sample local produce and delicious snacks at this popular roadside stand. It's a great place to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade jams.

Parrsboro: A short drive away, Parrsboro offers more...