The Oldest Small Towns in North America
- Small Town Spots
- Apr 17
- 7 min read
Updated: May 7
It's so interesting seeing how these coastal towns gradually resulted in more inland communities as time progressed. Gather around class, it's time for a Small Town Spots history lesson, and no passing notes!
Yachats, Oregon
Founded 1888
Population 700
Pronounced YAH-hots, this quaint village often called the, "Gem of the Oregon Coast," is known for its natural beauty, artistic community, and serene atmosphere. The area around Yachats was originally inhabited by the Alsea people, who lived off the land and sea, utilizing the abundant resources for sustenance and trade. The name "Yachats" is derived from the Alsea word "Yáx̣ayky," meaning "dark water at the foot of the mountain." In the mid-19th century, European settlers arrived, drawn by the region's natural beauty and resources. They established small communities and began developing the area, which eventually grew into the village known today.
Lodgepole, Nebraska
Founded 1867
Population 300
Named after the lodgepole pine, which was historically significant to Native American tribes for constructing their tipis, the village holds a unique place in Nebraska's history. The origins of Lodgepole date back to the late 19th century when the area was settled by pioneers moving westward. The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad was a significant factor in the development of Lodgepole, as it provided access and opportunities for trade and travel. The railroad attracted settlers who were looking for new opportunities on the Great Plains. As the 20th century progressed, advancements in farming technology and techniques helped the village to thrive.
Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan
Founded 1864
Population 1070
Long before European settlers arrived, the area of Fort Qu'Appelle was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Saulteaux, and Assiniboine. These communities thrived along the Qu'Appelle Valley, utilizing its rich resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The original fort was established in 1864 by the Hudson's Bay Company as a trading post. The fort was named after the river, which in turn got its name from the French phrase "Qu'appelle," meaning "who calls," referencing a Cree legend about a spirit calling out across the waters. In 1874, Fort Qu'Appelle was the site of the signing of Treaty 4, one of the numbered treaties between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples. This treaty covered a vast area of southern Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta and Manitoba. It was intended to provide land and resources to Indigenous communities in exchange for ceding title to the land to the Crown. The treaty had far-reaching effects on the Indigenous populations, affecting their traditional ways of life and leading to the establishment of reserves. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century marked a significant turning point for Fort Qu'Appelle. The railway connected the town to larger markets and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. As a result, Fort Qu'Appelle grew rapidly, and its economy diversified beyond fur trading to include agriculture and tourism.
Point Roberts, Washington
Founded 1858
Population 1200
This small community, covering just 4.9 square miles, is located at the southern tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula. Despite being part of the United States, it is only accessible by land through Canada. This peculiar situation arose due to the 1846 Oregon Treaty, which established the 49th parallel as the boundary between the United States and British North America (now Canada). As a result, Point Roberts was inadvertently severed from the rest of Washington State. The area was originally inhabited by the Coast Salish people, who used the land as a seasonal fishing and hunting ground. European exploration began in the late 18th century, with Spanish and British expeditions charting the waters. The first European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, primarily engaging in farming and fishing.
Valley Grove, West Virginia
Founded 1826
Population 400
Originally settled by pioneers attracted by the fertile lands and the promise of prosperity, the town soon grew to become a pivotal stop for travelers and traders moving westward, due to its strategic position on the National Road, the first major improved highway in the United States. The village developed around agriculture and trade, with local farms producing goods that were essential to the surrounding areas. The presence of the road also facilitated the establishment of inns and taverns, providing rest and refreshment for weary travelers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the industrial boom reached Valley Grove, albeit on a smaller scale compared to larger cities. The community saw the development of small manufacturing operations and coal mining, which provided employment and contributed to the local economy. However, Valley Grove maintained its rural charm, never growing into a large industrial center.
Harmony, Pennsylvania
Founded 1804
Population 1200
Harmony was founded in 1804 by a group of German immigrants led by Johann Georg Rapp, the charismatic religious leader of the Harmony Society, a Christian communal group that sought to create a utopian society based on their religious beliefs and communal living principles. The Harmony Society was known for its industriousness and self-sufficiency. Under Rapp's leadership, the society established a thriving community. They built homes, schools, and churches, and they were involved in various industries such as farming, textiles, and wine-making. Harmony quickly became a model of communal living and economic success during its early years. In 1814, the Harmony Society decided to relocate to Indiana, where they established a new settlement called New Harmony. The decision to move was driven by the desire for more land and greater isolation. After the society left, the original settlement in Pennsylvania was sold to Mennonites. Despite the relocation, the legacy of the Harmony Society remained influential.
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Founded 1783
Population 1820
This small town was founded in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists, who were American colonists that remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. Seeking refuge after the war, these Loyalists traveled north and established the settlement on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay. In its early years, St. Andrews developed as a bustling port and trade center. Its strategic location along the Bay of Fundy allowed it to flourish as a hub for fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. The town's grid-like layout, devised by British surveyors, is still evident today, contributing to its charm. The early 20th century brought economic changes, with the decline of shipbuilding and the rise of rail transport. Despite these shifts, St. Andrews maintained its appeal as a tourist destination. Efforts to preserve its historic architecture and natural beauty have been central to its identity, with many sites designated as National Historic Sites of Canada.
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Founded 1754
Population 1060
This region was originally inhabited by the Mi'kmaq people, who lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. In the mid-1700s, French settlers, known as Acadians, began to establish themselves in the region. However, following the British conquest of Acadia, the Acadians were expelled between 1755 and 1764 during what is known as the Great Expulsion.
The town of Mahone Bay was officially founded in 1754 when the British government granted land to settlers from Germany, Switzerland, and France, who were brought to Nova Scotia to bolster the British colonial presence and to populate the land vacated by the Acadians. The name "Mahone Bay" is derived from the Old French word "mahonne," referring to a type of small boat or barge used by pirates, and Mahone Bay flourished as a shipbuilding haven. This name is a nod to the area's history as a haven for pirate activity during the 17th and early 18th centuries. As the shipbuilding industry declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mahone Bay adapted by shifting its economic focus to other industries, including agriculture and tourism.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Founded 1753
Population 2200
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg is recognized for its unique architecture and colorful buildings. Founded in the mid-18th century, Lunenburg has become a symbol of resilience and cultural diversity in Canada. Lunenburg was established in 1753 by the British as a colonial settlement. It was part of a larger strategy to settle the region with Protestant Europeans to counterbalance the predominantly Catholic Acadian population in Nova Scotia. The town was named after the King of Great Britain and Ireland, George II, who was also the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. The original settlers were predominantly German, Swiss, and Montbéliardian (from the region of Montbéliard, now part of France), who were collectively known as "Foreign Protestants." These settlers brought with them a mix of languages, customs, and skills that contributed to the unique cultural tapestry of Lunenburg.
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
Founded 1729
Population
Initially visited by European explorers as its natural harbor made it an attractive location for fishermen and traders, the region was named, "Trinity" by Portuguese explorers who arrived on Trinity Sunday. In the early 1600s, Trinity became a key site for the burgeoning fishing industry, with cod being the staple. By the 18th century Trinity had developed into a bustling community, complete with a population of settlers primarily from England and Ireland who constructed fishing rooms, homes, and merchant buildings, many of which still stand today. In the 19th century, Trinity continued to flourish, but as the fishing industry faced challenges such as overfishing and competition, the town had to adapt. Economic diversification became necessary, and shipbuilding and other trades began to emerge. The 20th century brought significant changes to Trinity. The decline of the cod fishery and the introduction of new technologies transformed the local economy. However, the town managed to preserve its historical significance and charm, which became pivotal in its transition to a tourist destination.
Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador
Founded 1497
Population 3140
Famously known as the landing site of the explorer John Cabot, one of the earliest European explorers to reach North America after the Norse settlements. The name, "Bonavista" is believed to have been derived from Cabot's exclamation of, "O Buon Vista" or, "Oh, Happy Sight" upon spotting the land. The settlement of Bonavista began in earnest during the 17th century, as European fishermen were drawn to the rich fishing grounds off its coast. By the late 17th century, Bonavista had become an established community, largely populated by English settlers. Fishing quickly became the backbone of the local economy, a legacy that continues to this day. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Bonavista flourished as a fishing hub, resulting in the construction of key infrastructure including churches, schools, and commercial building. In the 20th century, Bonavista, like many other Newfoundland communities, faced challenges such as the decline of the cod fishing industry. Despite these challenges, the town diversified its economy and embraced its historical significance and natural beauty to promote tourism. Bonavista's rich cultural heritage, including its well-preserved historic sites and stunning coastal landscapes, attract visitors from around the world.
These tiny towns remind us of the historical journeys that shaped North America. Despite their small size they played, and still play, an integral role in the cultural fabric of the continent. Congratulations, you all got an A+ and here's your reward : Personal gratification and a sense of pride knowing you could have spent this time doing literally anything else but you sought knowledge, thereby making you a Small Town Spots legend!
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