Stellarton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stellarton Gaelic: Méinnean Na h-Albann (Albion Mines in english)
Town
Foord Street in July 2009
Nickname(s):  Stelly,
Motto(s):  "Spirit, People, Pride"
Stellarton Location in Nova Scotia
Country	Canada
Province	Nova Scotia
Municipality	Pictou County
Founded	1790s
Incorporated	October 22, 1889
Area  (2016)
• Total	8.99 km2 (3.47 sq mi)
Highest elevation	65 m (213 ft)
Lowest elevation	19 m (62 ft)
Population  (2016)
• Total	4,208
• Density	468.1/km2 (1,212/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Stellartonian
Time zone	UTC-4 (AST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-3 (ADT)
Postal Code	B0K 1S0
Area code(s)	902
Telephone Exchanges	301, 331, 419, 507, 513, 600, 601, 616, 695, 752, 753, 754, 755, 759, 771, 921, 928, 931, 934, 952, 967

Stellarton is a small town in Nova Scotia, a province in Canada. It is located just south of the larger town of New Glasgow. Long ago, this area was called Coal Mines Station. From 1833 to 1889, it was known as Albion Mines. The town officially became Stellarton in 1889. Its name comes from a special type of rock called "stellarite." This rock was named "stellarite" because it gave off "stars of fire" when it burned.

A Look Back: Stellarton's History

The Foord Coal Seam, a thick layer of coal

In the 1790s, coal quickly became very important to the local economy. A huge layer of coal, called the Foord coal seam, runs through most of the town. This is part of a larger area known for its unique oil shales and thick coal layers. The Foord seam is thought to be the thickest in the world. Some estimates say it is as thick as 48 feet!

In the 1820s, a company called the General Mining Association took over the mines. They started using new technology to dig more coal. This included the first steam engine in Nova Scotia, used to pump water out of the mines. In 1839, a famous train named Samson arrived. Samson is the oldest railway locomotive in Canada. It was used to carry coal from the mines to ships waiting to transport it.

Today, Samson is kept safe at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton.

Who Lives Here? Stellarton's Population

According to the 2021 Census, Stellarton had a population of 4,007 people. These people lived in 1,881 homes. This number was a bit lower than its population of 4,208 in 2016. The town covers an area of 8.99 square kilometers. In 2021, about 445 people lived in each square kilometer.

Local Economy: Businesses in Stellarton

Stellarton is still a place where coal mining happens. The Stellarton Surface Coal Mine has been run by Pioneer Coal since 1980.

The main office for the Canadian grocery store chain Sobeys is in Stellarton. Sobeys and its related companies provide many jobs for the town's residents. Some of the Sobeys companies based in Stellarton include Big 8 Beverages and the Regional Distribution Centre.

One business that didn't last was the Clairtone factory. This factory was the idea of entrepreneurs Peter Munk and David Gilmour. They were encouraged by a local businessman and politician named Frank H. Sobey.

The Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton

Fun Things to See: Stellarton Attractions

Stellarton is home to the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry. This museum is part of the Nova Scotia Museum system. Stellarton is also known for its painted fire hydrants. Each hydrant is decorated to look like a person or a job from the town.

Stellarton Memorial Ice Rink

The Stellarton Memorial Rink is an ice rink in Stellarton. It was built in 1945 to honor the soldiers who died in World War I and World War II. The rink building is still standing today. However, it has not been used for ice skating for several years.

Famous People from Stellarton

• James Peter Robertson - He received the Victoria Cross for his bravery.
• Leo McKay Jr. - A well-known novelist who writes books.
• Blayre Turnbull - An Olympic athlete who won gold and silver medals in Women's Hockey.

Where is Stellarton?

		Stellarton, Nova Scotia