Sussex Corner, New Brunswick
Encyclopedia
Sussex Corner is a Canadian
village in Kings County
, in south central New Brunswick
.
Southeast of the town of Sussex
, with which it shares a border, the village was settled by Loyalists
during the American Revolution
. It is part of what was originally called Pleasant Valley due to the weather and natural wealth it contains.
Sussex Corner was home to the fastest half-mile horse racetrack in North America during the mid-19th century. The track was one of many thriving enterprises operated by businessman and sportsman Hugh McMonagle
. Among his many contributions to the area, McMonagle introduced the first Holstein cattle to the region, leading to its strong reputation of being the Dairy Capital of the Maritimes. He also brought in the first Morgan horse
s to New Brunswick and was a strong promoter of agricultural progress for his community.
The community was known as the half-way mark for stagecoach travel between Saint John and Moncton. The Pitfield Elm, a massive elm tree that stood outside the Spicer Inn, was a welcome sight for travelers cresting the valley walls as they knew they would soon be enjoying a respite from their bone-jarring journey.
Sussex Vale was the economic centre of Kings County in the mid-19th century, with growth slowing after the railroad arrived. McMonagle protested the original plans for the tracks to cross his land and racetrack, and so the railroad was built two miles west of the community. Area businesses soon moved next to the new train station to benefit from the travelers, and the emphasis moved from Sussex Vale to the growing community of Sussex.
This history is told in the three murals created in the community. They are part of the 26 murals painted by internationally renowned artists during the summers of 2006 and 2007 that make Sussex and Sussex Corner the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada.
The village became an important road junction during the 20th century and was renamed Sussex Corner.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
village in Kings County
Kings County, New Brunswick
Kings County is located in southern New Brunswick, Canada.Both the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers pass through the county.Dairy farming is an important industry in the area...
, in south central New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
.
Southeast of the town of Sussex
Sussex, New Brunswick
Sussex is a Canadian town in Kings County, New Brunswick.Sussex straddles the Kennebecasis River, 70 km northeast of Saint John, and is a major dairy products producer in the province...
, with which it shares a border, the village was settled by Loyalists
Loyalist (American Revolution)
Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the Kingdom of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. At the time they were often called Tories, Royalists, or King's Men. They were opposed by the Patriots, those who supported the revolution...
during the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. It is part of what was originally called Pleasant Valley due to the weather and natural wealth it contains.
Sussex Corner was home to the fastest half-mile horse racetrack in North America during the mid-19th century. The track was one of many thriving enterprises operated by businessman and sportsman Hugh McMonagle
Hugh McMonagle
Hugh McMonagle was an inn-keeper and political figure in New Brunswick. He represented King's in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 1856 to 1857....
. Among his many contributions to the area, McMonagle introduced the first Holstein cattle to the region, leading to its strong reputation of being the Dairy Capital of the Maritimes. He also brought in the first Morgan horse
Morgan horse
The Morgan is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States. Tracing back to the stallion Figure, later named Justin Morgan after his best-known owner, the breed excels in many disciplines, and is known for its versatility....
s to New Brunswick and was a strong promoter of agricultural progress for his community.
The community was known as the half-way mark for stagecoach travel between Saint John and Moncton. The Pitfield Elm, a massive elm tree that stood outside the Spicer Inn, was a welcome sight for travelers cresting the valley walls as they knew they would soon be enjoying a respite from their bone-jarring journey.
Sussex Vale was the economic centre of Kings County in the mid-19th century, with growth slowing after the railroad arrived. McMonagle protested the original plans for the tracks to cross his land and racetrack, and so the railroad was built two miles west of the community. Area businesses soon moved next to the new train station to benefit from the travelers, and the emphasis moved from Sussex Vale to the growing community of Sussex.
This history is told in the three murals created in the community. They are part of the 26 murals painted by internationally renowned artists during the summers of 2006 and 2007 that make Sussex and Sussex Corner the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada.
The village became an important road junction during the 20th century and was renamed Sussex Corner.