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Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Yarmouth was settled in 1761, and its proximity to the ports of New England and lucrative trade with the West Indies brought a prosperity that still reflected in the town's splendid architecture. Today Yarmouth has the salty romance of a working seaport and, after Halifax, is the second-largest port in the province. First named "Cape Forchu" by explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604."Forchu" is a rough French translation of the Mi'kmaq Maligeak word meaning "forked" harbor. Known alternately as both Port Forchu and Forchu Harbor, the name later changed to Yarmouth, supposedly because Royalist refugees from Yarmouth, Masschusetts settled there during the American Revolution. Other historians claim it was named in honor of titled English persons as were Digby, Shelburne and other towns in the Atlantic Provinces. Local Native American tribes called Yarmouth "Keespongwitk," which means "Land's End." No matter the name, thoughout most of its history, the town has had a thriving ship-building and fishing industry. Some of the earliest settlers were Acadian French and Royalists fleeing from the newly formed United States, who brought with them traditions and skills which have given Yarmouth a multir-cultural flavor. Primarily Acadian French and Scottish in heritage, their influence remains a constant reminder of those early days, especially in architecture and family names througout Yarmouth County. Divided into to two townships, Argyle and Yarmouth, the area has lost none of its appeal to visitors, and in recent years has seen a dramatic increase of tourism. High-speed ferries like the Cat are capable of carrying passengers and vehicles to and from the city in less than 3-hours, making Yarmouth a more attractive tourist destination. Yarmouth was incorporated in 1890, and for many years was the primary center for ship-building in Nova Scotia. The county, took its name from the original township of 1759, was established by statute in 1836. According to legislaton, it was "to contain, comprise and comprehend the two townships of Yarmouth and Argyle." By the 1870s, Yarmouth reached its pinnacle of fame, possessing more tonnage per capita than any other seaport in the world. Only after the advent of steam power forever destroyed the "Golden Age of Sail" did Yarmouth lose its lofty position, which, in turn, caused it to suffer both a financial and industrial decline from which it has never truly recovered. Evidence of this bygone era is found in the surviving architecture of the town and surrounding county, as well as in Yarmouth's County Museum. Its great shipping heritage is reflected in exhibits which include one of Canada's largest collections of ship paintings, and displays on the early Acadian and English settlements of the area. The museum depicts both pictorial and physical displays of ships, models, archives and other artifacts. Another of Yarmouth's surprises is the Firefighters Museum of Nova Scotia dedicated to the history of firefighting and firefighters in the province, the extensive collection including several horse-drawn pumpers and firefighting equipment from the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Today, Yarmouth is the terminus for ferry service across the Gulf of Maine to Bar Harbour and Portland, abut over the centuries, it has been visited by many peoples. Norsemen landed here in 1007, leaving a record of their voyage on a runic stone near the Yarmouth Light. The Mi`kmaq inhabited the area long before Frenchman Samuel de Champlain paused here 1604 on his exploration of Canada. The first English speaking settlers came in 1761 on the ship Pompey, and as time went on, the Yarmouth became an important Atlantic port, with a prosperous shipping industry. Yarmouth has been the traditional point of arrival for visitors to Nova Scotia since its early days when the docks bustled with traffic from the "Boston States." The tradition continues today, and Yarmouth is the terminal for two ferries -- MV Bluenose, to and from Bar Harbor, and the Scotia Prince, to and from Portland. An excellent brochure describing a walking tour of the town is available from the Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre, just uphill from the ferry terminal. This tour of 26 historic buildings and heritage sites takes about two hours. Yarmouth remains a major maritime center of Southwest Nova Scotia. Tourism, fishing and the service industry maintain Yarmouth's economy in these uncertain times. The ferry boats cross from Maine to Yarmouth in the spring and summer months, with special tours during the winter as weather permits. The city boasts a branch of the "Art Gallery of Nova Scotia" and a large medical center, as well as historical sites, businesses and tourist attractions. Modernization of the waterfront is an on-going civic project to revitalize the old fishing docks and piers along Water Street. With a population of nearly 75,000, Yarmouth is a gem waiting to be discovered, rich in history and culture, the perfect place to work and live. Yarmouth is the 5th largest town in Canada's Atlantic Provinces, and a business center for Southwestern Nova Scotia. The town has many entertainment opportunities like theatre, art museums, sports, golf and music. There is a regional health care center, fine dining and hotels, schools and colleges. The municipality has a bi-lingual population of 36 which makes it one of the largest bi-lingual municipalities in the Maritimes. Yarmouth is world renowned for its superbly preserved Victorian era homes featuring unique styles of architecture. A seacoast town, it features beautiful ocean front properties and spectacular views. There are two major highways, one on the north shore, the other following the southern coast, and an international airport. Summers are touched by fresh sea breezes and winters are usually mild. It has a low crime status, and very friendly people who enjoy telling stories of the rum-running days during Prohibition in the United States. With its proximity to the alcohol starved United States, Yarmouth was full of opportunits and boot-leggers. The locals tell stories about such colorful charaters as "Rock Bottom" Bill Stone, and Margaret "Magpie" McArthur, two Yarmouth entrepreneurs who smuggled illegal booze across the Bay of Fundy to Maine in an old fishing boat. One of Yarmouth's most scenic drives leads to the magnificent lighthouse at Cape Forchu. The original Yarmouth Light, built in 1840, was replaced by the current towering structure in the early 1960s. The lighthouse property features a gift shop, canteen, interpretive center and a picnic park, with great views of the lighthouse and the huge, sea-washed rocks of the shoreline. Walking trails around the cape provide opportunities for superb photographic and bird watching opportunities. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Return to News Files |