Sussex Corner, a quaint neighbourhood nestled in the town of Sussex, Kings County, in south-central New Brunswick, Canada, is a place where history and charm intertwine. Once a village before its amalgamation with Sussex in 2023, Sussex Corner has a rich history that dates back to the American Revolution.
Located southeast of Sussex, Sussex Corner was initially settled by Loyalists during the American Revolution. The village was part of the region originally known as Pleasant Valley, named for its favourable weather and abundant natural resources.
In the mid-19th century, Sussex Corner was home to the fastest half-mile horse racetrack in North America, thanks to the efforts of businessman and sportsman Hugh McMonagle. McMonagle's contributions to Sussex Corner were significant, introducing the first Holstein cattle and Morgan horses to New Brunswick. His efforts helped establish Sussex Corner as the Dairy Capital of the Maritimes and a beacon of agricultural progress.
Sussex Corner was also a significant waypoint for stagecoach travel between Saint John and Moncton. The Pitfield Elm, a towering elm tree outside the Spicer Inn, was a welcome sight for weary travellers, signalling a break from their arduous journey.
Sussex Vale, as Sussex Corner was known then, was the economic hub of Kings County in the mid-19th century. However, the arrival of the railroad shifted the economic focus to the growing community of Sussex, located two miles west. Despite McMonagle's protests against the railroad crossing his land and racetrack, businesses moved closer to the new train station to capitalize on the influx of travellers.
The rich history of Sussex Corner is beautifully depicted in three murals created in the community. These murals are part of the 26 murals painted by internationally renowned artists during the summers of 2006 and 2007, earning Sussex and Sussex Corner the title of the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada.
In the 20th century, the village became an important road junction and was renamed Sussex Corner. On 1 January 2023, Sussex Corner officially amalgamated with the town of Sussex, though the community's name remains in official use.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sussex Corner had a population of 1,458, living in 653 of its 674 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -0.2% from its 2016 population of 1,461. With a land area of 9.32 km2 (3.60 sq mi), Sussex Corner had a population density of 156.4/km2 (405.2/sq mi) in 2021.
Sussex Corner, New Brunswick, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. Its rich history, coupled with its charming present, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of the past and the present.
