A Brief History of
Liverpool Nova Scotia

Located on the Lighthouse Route on Nova Scotia's South Shore, between Lunenburg and Shelburne, lies the small community of Liverpool Nova Scotia. It was founded in 1759 as a fishing port, but became better known during the American Revolutionary War.

At first the community of Liverpool Nova Scotia supported their Yankee brethren. but as the Americans continually raided the community, the people of Liverpool then turned upon their predators.

Angry for being victimized by the early Americans, they formed several bands of privateers that raided American ships successfully up and through the War of 1812. Their raids landed them much booty and money, in particular for the merchantman Enos Collins.

At the end of the War of 1812, Liverpool Nova Scotia rose in stature as an exporter of timber for the wooden shipbuilders. But the evolution into steam boats and steel ships soon ruined the economy for Liverpool.

Today, a local paper mill company is the community's largest employer.

Museums of Liverpool

The Perkins House Museum, located at 105 Main Street, celebrates the life of Simeon Perkins, originally a Yankee who became a famous Liverpool citizen as a leading merchant and shipbuilder. He is remembered today for his extensive diary writing of the events occurring during his residence in Liverpool, including some of the first inoculations for smallpox. Museum is open from June through the middle of October.

The Queens County Museum, located beside the Perkins House, represents the warehouse of Simeon Perkins' business.The permanent exhibits in the Queens County Museum focus on shipbuilding and forestry.

Another part of the collection is a working model railroad that represents the county rail lines of 1930s and 1940s.

On a more contemporary note is The Hank Snow Country Music Centre, located at an old railroad station at thejunction of Highways 3 & 8. It is less than 3.5 km (2 mi) from Hank's childhood home with audio-visual displays, artifacts and memorabilia on the history and heritage of this Canadian country music personality.

A special exhibit on local railroading history is located at the railway ticket office. Open May 20 to October 14.

At first glimpse, the community of Liverpool Nova Scotia does not appear to be an attractive place. But just partake of the Liverpool Historical Walking Tours, 902-354-5741 or 1-800-655-5741, and explore some of the side streets, you will find yourself surrounded by attractive homes and churches of differing architectural styles.

Brochures for the Walking Tours are available year-round from the Queens County Museum and the Liverpool Visitor Information Centre.

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