Mount Stewart is a charming rural municipality nestled in the northeastern part of Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. This quaint community, located at the head of the once-navigable portion of the Hillsborough River, is a place where the river begins to narrow significantly. As of the 2021 Census, Mount Stewart is home to 226 residents, making it a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In the early 1870s, Mount Stewart played a pivotal role in the province's transportation history. It was the site of a bridge over the Hillsborough River, marking the route between the capital at Charlottetown and the shire town of Kings County at Georgetown. The Prince Edward Island Railway ran its mainline between these communities through Mount Stewart, earning it the nickname "Mount Stewart Junction."
If anyone wanted to travel to Georgetown or Souris from Charlottetown, they would have to pass through or make a stop at Mount Stewart. The community's importance grew when the PEIR built a line northeast to Morell and Souris.
During the 1930s, Mount Stewart became the centre of all railway service accessing eastern PEI. This happened after the Hillsborough River Bridge, which carried the railway line to Murray Harbour between Charlottetown and Southport, was condemned. The CNR constructed what was known as the "Short Line" between Mount Stewart and Lake Verde, allowing rail traffic to continue serving the southeastern part of the province.
The railways were also used to transport vegetables, potatoes, lumber, and other resources. The last train to grace this route was from Charlottetown in 1989, marking the end of the railway era in Mount Stewart.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Mount Stewart had a population of 226 living in 107 of its 118 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 8.1% from its 2016 population of 209.
With a land area of 1.52 km2 (0.59 sq mi), Mount Stewart had a population density of 148.7/km2 (385.1/sq mi) in 2021. This low population density contributes to the community's tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet getaway.
In conclusion, Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island, is a community steeped in history and natural beauty. Its rich past and peaceful present make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
