The Two Great Roads
The "Two Great Roads"
The "Two Great Roads" once marked the point where the road from Halifax divided to take travelers to either Truro by way of the Cobequid Road (which opened to Upper Canada) or to Windsor via the Old Sackville Road (which opened up Southern NS and the Bay of Fundy), and as such, Sackville became a traditional and well known stopping place. Consequently, the transformation of these trails into viable roads led to the expansion of the area. Their completion on May 18, 1818 is important and ties directly to the advent of the Sackville Community we know and love today.
Before the two roads were completed, Sackville and Area was largely an area of very widespread farms and small villages. With the progress and evolution of the crossroads (where the two great roads intersected); development, expansion and opportunities presented themselves and manifested in diversity of lifestyles and occupations:
a) At the crossroads was born a Post Office (and a Pony Express Stop), a Blacksmith Shop ( to tend to rest and feed horses and any repairs needed to stage coaches), and a Resting Place where travelers could refresh and get a hot meal. Also, more uptodate news with the availability of regular delivery of newspapers and mail.
b) The Road to Windsor accessed the Sackville River, which opened up better trade routes and travel routes for the villages settled along the river and easier access for those who wanted to travel by water. Also, fresh water fishing was more accessible.
c) The roads also opened trade all year round. Lumber from New Brunswick, flour from the United States, and nails, spikes and iron pots from Halifax. d) With better access to Halifax Harbour (shipping), articles could be obtained more easily now. Examples: rugs, earthenware, glassware, bleached canvas, cloth, thread, and flannel from Europe. In addition, spices, chocolate and rice from the Islands. Also, the availability to get fish products both fresh and salted.
d) Sustained growth and success led to a viable and prosperous town and in 1858, when the railroad became a faster form of transportation, the routes used were that of the "Two Great Roads".
The "Two Great Roads" wall we designed in Acadia Park is part of our community legacy. This mosaic erected on the walls in Acadia Park tells the story of our community and be a visual representation of the resilience of people and depict the evolution of Acadia Park and the heritage of our community.
