History of Cedar Creek

Nestled along the rugged, rocky coast beside a navigable natural bay and harbor, the town of Cedar Creek has a history as rich and stormy as the waves that crash against its shores.

Exploration and Settlement (Early 19th Century)

In the early 19th century, a group of intrepid explorers, led by the adventurous Captain William Beaumont, embarked on a daring expedition to the untamed wilderness of the region. Drawn by stories of untapped resources, and new frontiers with the promise of opportunities, these pioneers sought to carve a life for themselves in this raw wilderness. In 1817 Beaumont's party landed in this sheltered bay with deep waters and a tranquil creek lined with cedar trees. This was the place they would come to call Cedar Creek, in a nod to the magnificent cedars that adorned the landscape.

Early Years and the Fur Trade (Mid-19th Century)

The settlers were mostly traders and fishermen of Scandanavian descent. The community worked closely with the local native population, and it wasn't long before much of the community was either of native origin, or related to someone who was native. This close bond with the native population is a key aspect of how this community became an active and valuable trading post for the exchange of furs and other natural goods such as whale oil. Government presence was almost non existant here in these early years. In the 1850'tys missionaries from the Roman Catholic Church began to arrive to bring education and religion to the settlement, setting up a one room school house and Church across the street from each other.

The fur trade became the lifeblood of Cedar Creek, as trappers ventured into the surrounding wilderness, bringing back valuable furs from beavers, foxes, and other animals. The town's fur-trading posts thrived, attracting merchants and traders from afar. Whaling was also a huge business, and ships would often set sail to seek out large whales and returned with their spoils. The population was only 410 in 1850.

The Arrival of the Railroad (1877)

In 1877, Cedar Creek experienced a transformative moment when the railway reached its rocky coast. The railway brought new opportunities for trade, connecting the town to distant markets and allowing for the efficient transportation of goods. Cedar Creek became a bustling port town, serving as a vital link between the harbor and the interior. At this point the settlement began to see more influence from the Government. With regional offices springing up in town, which brought laws and regulations to this formerly peaceful but self governing community, but also health care and other protective services.

Boom and Decline (1933-1994)

However, the town's prosperity was not without challenges. The sudden loss of the rail link in 1933 had a profound impact on Cedar Creek. The once-bustling railway had ceased operations, isolating the town from the mainland. There was no road, and thus no other land link. Some attempted to utilize the trackage as a trail for land vehicles, however the bridges which were made specifically for rail traffic (with gaps between the rails where no floor existed) made that difficult, and impossible after the winter of 1946 when the Evans River bridge was washed out by ice flows.

Cedar Creek returned to existing as an isolated community on the rocky coast, accessible only by sea. With no land link and no roads. The town survived however, trending back to the old ways of life it had known before the Railroad came. It became known for its resilience in the face of isolation. In 1975 a Coast Guard station and Airstrip was built a mile outside of the town limits, which enabled air travel to and from the settlement. The Coast Guard station was key to increasing the population to 1,750 by 1980.

Reconnection by Railroad (1994)

Hope was rekindled in 1994 when efforts to rebuild the railway and reconnect Cedar Creek to the mainland were successful. The railway was revitalized, and once again, Cedar Creek became an active port town and a tourist destination. The town embraced its reconnection and worked to rebuild its economy and infrastructure, tapping into the tourism revenue for the first time in it's history. In 1999 the Federal Government approved and financed a Grain Terminal for shipping in the harbor of Cedar Creek. The grain terminal brought even more jobs and rail traffic, at the tune of 2 unit grain trains per week. The population boomed to 2,100 by the year 2001.

Bell Communications with a grant from the Federal Government established a fiber optic link to the community through an agreement they made with the Scajaquada Valley Northern Railway for use of trackside conduit for the fiber optic cable path. By 2005 the community had access to 'high speed' Internet through this new fiber optic connection, finally bringing the community into the Modern era.

Industries Today

Today, Cedar Creek stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its early settlers and the rugged beauty of its rocky coast and natural harbor. The settlement is a thriving port town, with fishing as its prominent industry, thanks to its oceanfront location. Cedar Creek also honors its history of fur trapping, whaling and tanning, preserving traditions while embracing new opportunities. The native population still makes up much of the local population. And tourism has been embraced.

Visitors to Cedar Creek are welcomed by a resilient community, vibrant culture, and the breathtaking landscapes that have shaped its history. The town's connection to the railway has revitalized its economy and allowed it to once again play a pivotal role in regional trade and commerce.