Bear River History
Before the arrival of the first French explorers to our area, the Mi’kmaq roamed the land and were known as foot Indians. The reaction of the French arrivals to the Indian presence was both tolerant and friendly.
In 1613, Simon Imbert explored the river, known by the Mi’kmaq as L’sitkuk. The French, however, made no settlement along the river. The first European settlers were New England planters, followed by the loyalists in 1783, including the German Hessian and Waldekian troops. In the beginning of settlement, the river served as the highway. The first framed house was built in 1785 by Captain O’Sullivan Sutherland. The area then included in the township of Clements. The growing community became very self sufficient.
Credit must be given to our forefathers, in regard to determination to succeed in all aspects of community development. In 1870 Directory lists 27 different trades and occupations. Shipbuilding became the principal industry beginning in 1832 and ending in 1902. Between 1830 and 1845 churches were built, including the Catholic Church on land reserved for the Mi’kmaq.
In 1847, the first resident doctor arrived. Dr. Beckwith became the first of 12 ending with our Dr. Brennan. A school, post office, the bank in 1898, drugstore in 1902, electric power in 1893, seven societies and Clark brothers developing much of the industry, including shipbuilding and shipping, stores and mills, which ended with the loss of their pulp mill in 1924.
Bear River had become known as the “Switzerland of Nova Scotia” and “Cherry town”. The River known as the “Rhine of Nova Scotia”