East River of Pictou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East River of Pictou |
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Bridge across the East River at New Glasgow
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Nova Scotia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Pictou Harbour (sub-basin of Northumberland Strait sea level 45°39′38″N 62°42′15″W / 45.66056°N 62.70417°W |
| Length | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 547 km2 (211 sq mi) |
The East River of Pictou is a river located in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada. It's an important waterway in the region. The river flows for about 57 kilometers (35 miles). It starts at Hunters Lake and ends in Pictou Harbour. This harbour is a part of the larger Northumberland Strait.
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About the River
The East River of Pictou begins its journey at Hunters Lake. This lake is found in the community of Eden Lake. From there, the river flows for about 57 kilometers (35 miles). It eventually empties into Pictou Harbour. This harbour is a smaller part of the Northumberland Strait.
The area around the river is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 547 square kilometers (211 square miles). Most of this area is covered in thick forests. The lower part of the river, near Pictou Harbour, has seen the most human activity.
River Features
The last 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of the river is an estuary. This means it's where the river's fresh water mixes with the ocean's salt water. Small boats can travel on about 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the river. This makes it useful for fun activities like boating.
A River of History
The East River of Pictou valley has a long and interesting history. It played a big role in Canada's early industries. In 1798, coal was discovered in the area. This discovery led to a lot of mining activity.
Coal Mining
Large-scale coal mining began along the river in 1827. The General Mining Association started these operations. Coal mining continued for many years. It was a very important industry for the region. Small-scale mining still happens today.
Steel Production
The first steel factory in Canada was built here in 1872. It was located in Trenton. This factory was built because there was a lot of local coal. The river also helped transport goods. The arrival of the Nova Scotia Railway in 1867 also made transportation easier.
Communities Along the River
Many communities are located along the East River of Pictou. They are listed here from the river's source to its mouth:
- Eden Lake
- Kerrowgare
- Sunny Brae
- Iron Rock
- Glencoe
- St. Pauls
- Bridgeville
- Springville
- Island East River
- Eureka
- Churchville
- Riverton
- Plymouth
- Stellarton
- New Glasgow
- Trenton
- Abercrombie
- Hillside
- Pictou Landing
