South Maitland, Nova Scotia

Truro Subdivision, the Midland Line, Mile 40.27

Next Station East: Green Oaks
Next Station West: Burtons

Facilities & Features

Description & History

This village on the Shubenacadie River was once a major shipbuilding and timber community as well as home to gypsum quarries. It became an important stop on the Midland Line with substancial station, water tower and most notably, the large swing bridge over the Shubenacadie River. In World War II, south Maitland served as the supply point for the training air field at Maitland. Rail service ended while the line was closed in 1983. In 2006 the Fundy Tidal Interpretation Centre opened at South Maitland beside the old DAR roadbed. The centre includes a retired Canadian National caboose No. 79770^[1] painted with retro DAR lettering and a hiking trail that leads to a look-off built on the piers of the swing span of the DAR's old South Maitland Bridge.

Operations & Orders

Gallery

MRC Locomotive No. 1 on the South Maitland Bridge construction site, circa 1900.
The South Maitland Bridge under construction, circa 1900.
A truss span arrives at the South Maitland Bridge, circa 1900.
A truss span moves into place at the South Maitland Bridge, circa 1900.
Opening of Midland Line probably at South Maitland with Coach No. 6, 1900 or 1905.
Engine 25 "Strathcona" at the South Maitland Station, heading to Truro with Picnic Special, June 21, 1907.
No. 29 "Brooklyn" at South Maitland Station, circa 1910.
South Maitland Bridge, Nova Scotia Museum postcard, circa 1910.
South Maitland Station, February 1948.
Loading a flat car at South Maitland, February 1948.
Loading flat cars at South Maitland, February 1948.
Train No. 22 near South Maitland on August 1, 1958
South Maitland Station taken from rear of Train No. 22 on August 1, 1958.
South Maitland Bridge over the Schubenacadie River near South Maitland on August 1, 1958.
South Maitland Bridge over the Schubenacadie River, near South Maitland from the rear of Train No. 22 on August 1, 1958.
South Maitland Station and siding with a DAR coach, June 1959.
South Maitland Bridge, west bank, May 2, 1987.
The South Maitland Bridge showing the new observation deck with new highway bridge to right, September 5, 2013.