History
Alberton: The Heart of West Prince
Alberton, nestled along the western shores of Prince Edward Island, is the principal town among the vibrant fishing and farming communities that make up the region. This area is part of the traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq Nation, whose history stretches back thousands of years. The first European to visit Alberton was Jacques Cartier in 1534, who noted its immense potential for fishing, farming, and lumbering—resources that would shape its future prosperity.
In 1767, when Prince Edward Island was still known as Saint John’s Island, the land was divided into 67 lots, awarded to British noblemen. Alberton is located on Lot 5, granted to Edward Lewis, who envisioned developing a small trading town. By 1788, the first European settlers arrived, led by shipbuilder and lumber merchant John Hill from Devonshire, England. With the abundant natural resources, Alberton quickly became a key player in the shipbuilding and lumber industries during the 19th century, particularly around the Cascumpec area, now part of Alberton.
Progress and Growth
Alberton’s progress was rapid. By 1862, it had developed into a significant trade center in Prince County and was named in honor of Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), after his visit to Prince Edward Island in 1860. The town officially became a village in 1878, and its economy flourished with the establishment of numerous stores, churches, and medical services. A courthouse opened on Church Street that year, which now serves as the Alberton Museum, preserving the town’s legal and cultural history.
Fire protection was established in 1876 with the creation of the Alberton Volunteer Fire Department, and despite setbacks like the smallpox epidemic and multiple devastating fires in the late 19th century, Alberton continued to grow. The most significant fire occurred in 1927, destroying parts of the town, but Alberton quickly rebuilt, further fueling its economic development.
In 1893, the Black Silver Fox industry, co-founded by Sir Charles Dalton and Robert Oulton, brought tremendous prosperity to Alberton. The fox fur industry became a global sensation, and the town’s economy boomed as a result. The legacy of this industry remains visible today, with “fox houses” still standing, such as the Briarwood Inn. The silver fox continues to be a symbol of the town, proudly displayed in the town’s logo.
Modern Advancements
Alberton officially became a town in 1913, a major milestone in its development. During the 20th century, Alberton continued to modernize, with the construction of Western Hospital in 1945, which still serves the region today. Infrastructure improvements followed, including the opening of the Alberton Public Library in 1951, the completion of a sewage system in 1960, and the construction of the Jacques Cartier Memorial Arena in 1964.
The town also embraced its role as a community hub. Maplewood Manor, a nursing home, opened in 1967, and in 1973, the town’s old railway station, built in 1904, was transformed into a tourist information center and later the town’s public library. The Alberton Museum, housed in the old courthouse, continues to be a treasure trove of the town’s history, offering visitors a chance to explore artifacts from Alberton’s early days.
A Thriving Town Today
Today, Alberton remains a vital service center for the surrounding fishing and farming communities, with a population of approximately 1,301 residents (2021 census). It serves more than 5,000 individuals in the region, providing essential services and acting as a hub for commerce. Fishing in nearby Northport and the surrounding agricultural lands, especially potato farming, are still key contributors to the local economy.
Alberton is also home to a variety of educational and recreational facilities, including Alberton Elementary School, Holland College West Prince Campus, and several parks, such as Veterans Memorial Park, where a new splash pad was added in 2024. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Confederation Trail offers opportunities for hiking, running, and cycling.
The town boasts additional amenities such as the Jacques Cartier Memorial Arena, Iron Haven Gym, Prince County Exhibition Grounds, and two baseball diamonds, reflecting its commitment to recreation and community life. The Alberton Public Library and Alberton Museum offer educational and cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Local Festivals such as the Prince County Exhibition, held every July, and the Alberton Day Festival, along with Canada Day celebrations, continue to foster a sense of community while attracting visitors to the area.
For more information about Alberton’s history, or to view artifacts from its early days, visit the Alberton Museum on Church Street. You can also explore historical photographs and documents through the museum’s online resources.
