Argyle

ARGYLE, NOVA SCOTIA

Municipality of Argyle’s History

Argyle originated with the Grant of the Township by the Government of Nova Scotia in 1771. With the expulsion of the majority of the Acadians by 1759, settlers from the New England Colonies soon established in the area. With the return to Nova Scotia for some of the Acadian exiles in 1766, further settlements were established on the west side of Pubnico Harbour and on both shores of the lower end of the Tusket River. The next influx of settlers came in 1784 and 1785 when the Loyalists started to arrive from the American colonies. These people settled in various areas of the Township. From these three main groups most of the inhabitants of present day Argyle Municipality originate.

As the population increased in the 1760's, development of industry and trade also grew. Shipyards were building vessels from sloops to full rigged ships that sailed all over the world. Lumber mills were established to provide building materials for the shipyards and also export cargo for them. Another important and growing industry was fisheries and it continues to be today