Stellarton, a quaint town nestled in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located south of the larger town of New Glasgow, Stellarton has a rich history and a vibrant community that makes it a must-visit destination.
Originally known as Coal Mines Station in pioneer times, the area was renamed Albion Mines from 1833 until 1889. The town was finally incorporated as Stellarton in 1889, a name derived from a specific type of torbanite known as "stellarite". This unique mineral was so named for the "stars of fire" it produced when ignited.
In the 1790s, coal became a pivotal part of the local economy. The Foord coal seam, which runs through most of the town and lends its name to the main street, is part of the larger Stellarton Basin/Pictou Coalfield. This area is recognized by geologists for its unique oil shales and thick coal seams, with the Foord seam said to be the thickest in the world, reaching an estimated 48 feet.
The 1820s saw the mines taken over by the General Mining Association, which introduced new technology, including the first steam engine in Nova Scotia for pumping. In 1839, the Samson, Canada's oldest railway locomotive, began transporting coal to waiting ships. Today, the Samson is preserved at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Stellarton is home to 4,007 residents living in 1,881 of its 2,017 total private dwellings. This represents a -4.8% change from its 2016 population of 4,208. With a land area of 8.99 km2 (3.47 sq mi), Stellarton had a population density of 445.7/km2 (1,154.4/sq mi) in 2021.
Stellarton is home to the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry, a part of the Nova Scotia Museum system. The town is also known for its creatively painted fire hydrants, each adorned with a costumed representative of a town inhabitant or profession, adding a unique charm to the town's streets.
Constructed in 1945, the Stellarton Memorial Rink stands as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. Although the rink has not been in use for several years, it remains a significant historical landmark in the town of Stellarton.
