Pugwash, Nova Scotia

Pugwash is a small fishing village in Nova Scotia, Canada. The town lies at the mouth of the Pugwash River in the Northumberland Strait. The name comes from the Mi'kmaq word Pugwash Paqweak what "flat water " means, in reference to the nearby river. Since the town is located on a 450 -meter-thick salt deposit, it is home to the largest salt mine in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. The place in 1957 by the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, which in 1995 were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize became famous.

History

The first European settlers were farmers from the New England states. During the American Revolution, the Loyalists were added as new settlers, who were lured by country guarantees. Also, British, Scottish and Irish seeking a better life in Nova Scotia.

Shipbuilding and the European demand for wood brought growth after Pugwash. After the decline of sailing ships, the town experienced an economic decline. The connection of Pugwash on the railway in 1890 also did not bring the hoped-for boost.

Four times, in the years 1890, 1898, 1901 and 1929, the village was destroyed by wildfires. The number of unemployed increased, and the population had to neighboring towns looking for work. In 1929 came the turn when Cyrus Eaton, an American industrialist, came back to his birthplace. He used his money to build the village again and secured the city from flooding. He let asphalt pavements and create a park to make the town attractive to tourists. His plan failed, however, at this time.

Economy

Even today, the lobster and the forest industry is the most important economic factor in the region. The Salt Company Canada Ltd. and the company Seagull Pewter are the main employers in the village. Tourism is also gaining in importance.