Mulgrave, Nova Scotia, is a charming town nestled on the Strait of Canso in Guysborough County, Canada. This community, which lies opposite the town of Port Hawkesbury, is conveniently located along the Marine Drive, with Route 344 cutting through its heart. Mulgrave's history dates back to the early 19th century, and it has evolved significantly over the years. Today, it is a vibrant community with a rich history and a variety of public services.
Mulgrave was initially established as McNair's Cove by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The community quickly became a part of the lumber trade with the English in the early 19th century. The Mi'kmaq knew the area as Wolumkwagagunutk, which translates to "lobster ground."
In the late 1810s, regular ferry service across the Canso Strait was established, significantly contributing to the local economy. The community adopted the name Port Mulgrave in 1859 to honour the colonial Lieutenant Governor, the Earl of Mulgrave. Over time, the name was shortened to its current form, Mulgrave.
The arrival of rail service in 1882 further boosted the local economy, with rail cars being transported across the strait by 1893. However, the cancellation of trade agreements in the fishing industry in 1870 to protect the American fish market led to the collapse of the local fishing industry. This economic downturn resulted in a significant population shift, with more than a third of the population moving, mainly to New England, in search of employment.
By the turn of the 20th century, the railways had become the main industry in Mulgrave. The town was evolving into a bustling rail terminal, complete with several auxiliary services. The economy was further bolstered by a new lobster factory and a new rail ferry, which increased capacity across the Strait of Canso to Port Hawkesbury. Mulgrave served as a crucial link between mainland Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, and Newfoundland.
In 1923, the community was incorporated as a town. However, the opening of the Canso Causeway in August 1955 dealt a significant blow to the local economy by eliminating both road and rail traffic through the town.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Mulgrave had a population of 627, living in 292 of its 316 total private dwellings. This figure represents a -13.2% change from its 2016 population of 722. With a land area of 17.83 km2 (6.88 sq mi), Mulgrave had a population density of 35.2/km2 (91.1/sq mi) in 2021.
Mulgrave, Nova Scotia, is home to the headquarters of the Eastern Counties Regional Library, providing residents with a wealth of educational resources and community programs.
