About Fall River
Fall River is a suburban community located in Nova Scotia, Canada within the Halifax Regional Municipality. It is situated north-northeast of the Bedford Basin, northeast of Bedford and Lower Sackville, and north of Waverley.
The community derived its name from a stream running between Miller Lake and Lake Thomas, which had a waterfall that supplied water power for several mills during the 19th century and a local electrical utility in the early 20th century.
Fall River, Nova Scotia has a rich history dating back to the late 1700s when it was first settled by Europeans. Here are some key points about the history of Fall River:
- The Mi’kmaq Nation inhabited the area prior to European settlement, using the waterways as a portage route connecting to the Shubenacadie Valley.
- The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with some of the earliest being German families like the Mullers (anglicized to Miller), after whom Miller Lake is named.
- In the 1830s, a water-powered mill operated by Charles P. Allen manufactured furniture using the power from the falls between Miller Lake and Lake Thomas, which gave Fall River its name.
- The Shubenacadie Canal system connecting Halifax Harbour to the Minas Basin ran through Fall River via the lakes in the 1850s.
- Several inns and stagecoach stops operated in Fall River in the 19th century, including The Lakeside Inn (1831), Robert Fletcher’s inn (1830s-1840s), and Rutherfords Inn (1840s-1870s), serving travelers and militia.
- Fall River amalgamated with Halifax in 1996 to become part of the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Fall River is known for its numerous lakes, including Lake Thomas and Lake Fletcher, which form part of the Shubenacadie Canal connecting the Bay of Fundy with Halifax Harbour.
The community also features an 18-hole golf course, Ashburn Golf Club, and two provincial parks: Laurie Provincial Park and Oakfield Provincial Park.
