It is believed that Kennetcook is derived from the Native Canadian name Kunneycook, which means The Place Ahead or The Place Close at Hand.

The first settlers in Kennetcook were members of the disbanded 84th regiment, but few of them remained in Kennetcook for long because the storehouse containing their supplies was in Stanley. Without a boat, the settler had to carry his food and supplies on his back through the woods. The isolated location made settlement in Kennetcook almost impossible for many years.

The early industries of the village were farming and lumbering. The heavily wooded slopes of the river valley provided timber for the shipbuilding business along the Noel Shore. At one time there was a brickyard in operation near the covered bridge and after the opening of the railroad dairy farming became increasingly important because of the easy access to the city market.

Kennetcook was once considered the capital of East Hants because the Municipal Council used to hold its annual sessions here during the third week in January and because it was connected to the larger centres via train and bus service.

Interesting Facts
Kennetcook Covered Bridge
Historical Photos of Kennetcook

*Note: Much of the history and photos of Kennetcook was provided by the Kennetcook Community Visions Society.