History of Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada

1672 - Beaubassin, a town in northern Acadia, is founded about this time by Jacques Bourgeois.
www.acadian-cajun.com/ acadtime.htm

Beaubassin was settled in 1672, the second Acadian village to be established after Port Royal. The village was one of the largest and most prosperous in Acadia.

Wikipedia

By 1685, there were 22 houses in Beaubassin.

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In 1686, the area was constituted into a parish and Father Claude Trouvé, of Quebec, built Beaubassin's first church.

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1696 - During King William's War French and Native raids on Maine, specifically on Pemaquid, Maine (present day Bristol, Maine) earlier that year.
In response, the English colonial militia leader Benjamin Church led a devastating raid on Beaubassin in 1696.
Wikipedia

1704 - Attacked
June 20: Benjamin Church (1639-1718), with 700 men, three warships and fourteen transports, burned Les Mines (Grand Pre), took Cobequid (Truro) and Piziquid (Pigiguit), and wasted Beaubassin, Acadia. They laid siege to Port Royal but they refused to surrender, and the English (speaking people) departed.

www.telusplanet.net/ public/dgarneau/french26.htm

1750 - LeLoutre gets the Indians to burn Beaubassin to get Acadians over to French territory.
Father LeLoutre had been urging the Acadians south and east of the Missaguash River to move north to French territory. Finally, in 1750, he led the Mikmaqs in burning down the Acadian buildings on the south side of the Missaguash River (to coerce them into moving to the north (French) side.)

www.acadian-cajun.com

1859
A township in Nova Scotia, in Cumberland co. Area 26,750 acres. Its principal village of the same name is situated near the isthmus which separates Chignecto bay, in the bay of Fundy, from Northumberland strait.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1873
AMHERST, (formerly known as Fort Lawrence,) a seaport town of Nova
Scotia, the capital of Cumberland co., very pleasantly situated on an arm of Cumberland Bay, and on the Intercolonial railway, 9 miles from Sackville, N.B., and l38 miles W. by N. of Halifax. It contains, besides the county and railway buildings, about 3O stores, several churches, hotels, mills and factories, an iron foundry, 2 tanneries, 1 printing office issuing a weekly newspaper, a telegraph office, and a branch bank. It is a port of entry, and has a large trade, especially in lumber and ship building. The number of arrivals for 1872 was 190, (tons 21,836), and the clearances 208 (tons 24,106). Total value of imports $84,244; exports $107,769. Pop. 2,000.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell, Montreal, 1873

1895 - Amherst (Fort Lawrence)
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.
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

1916
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.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Amherst
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... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Amherst:
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... Read MORE...