The major settlement, however, did not occur until 1784, with an influx of British Empire Loyalists after the American Revolutionary War. The town continued to grow through the nineteenth century as a trading, fishing, farming and shipbuilding centre. Though no buildings remain from the seventeenth or eighteenth centuries, Guysborough retains many from the early nineteenth century and later.
The Guysborough Historic Walking Tour takes one on an eight or nine block long tour of the village past the houses, churches and business buildings of nineteenth century Guysborough. The tour includes 25 of Guysborough's more notable buildings, eight of which are highlighted below.
or it may be purchased for a small fee at the Museum, which is also the tourist information centre. Coordinates are at the starting point, the
, built in 1843 and the third oldest courthouse in Nova Scotia. Hover on the photos to see the names.
Old Court House Museum, Church Street. 1843
Built in the British bulldog-style of architecture, this building was a court house for 130 years. It was also used for municipal council meetings and other public functions such as a polling station and enlistment drives during various wars. The issue of Confederation was debated here.
Wesley United Church, Queen Street. 1859
This is the oldest church building in the village, and is the second Methodist church here. The Bible and baptismal font, which are still
used today, were gifts from Ms. Charlotte Newton, the principal founder of Methodism in Guysborough in the 1820s.
Eastern Light Lodge,
Queen Street. 1842
Built as the Kent Presbyterian Church so named for James Kent whose will provided the funds to establish a church. From 1859 to 1903 it served as a temperance hall, and for many years was known as
Chedabucto Hall, serving as a public facility. It became the Masonic Lodge in 1933.
St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Church Street. 1873
The third Catholic Church in the area, it is the second on this site.
While being constructed by Thomas O’Neil, a renowned church builder from Salmon River, it withstood the August Gale of 1873, which brought 200 mile per hour winds. It stands a testament to the skills
of the builder.
Days-Gone-By Bakery and Café, Main Street. c1790
This building incorporates the first court house in town, which was
built in 1790 and was moved to this site. Another portion of the building was floated across the harbour from its previous location, and the gift shop was originally the home of Alexander Torrey, carriage builder.
Post Office, Main Street. 1902
The Post Office was built by the relatively new federal government as a statement of promise for a prosperous future for the country and the village. The building also was the Ships Registry and Customs office. It was the first brick building in the village.
Christ Church, Church Street. 1878
The third Anglican church at this site, this is a Municipal Heritage
property. The first church was built in 1787. For a quarter of a
century it was the only church in the area, and rectors sought to meet the spiritual needs of English, French, German, Protestant, and Catholic parishioners.
United Baptist Church, Pleasant Street. 1902
This is Guysborough’s second Baptist church, and in its early years
had an active membership of more than 250, a Sunday school of 50 children and a library of 100 books.
From the Guysborough Historic Walking Tour