Amherst’s sandstone buildings are among the town’s most distinctive historic features, reflecting a period of remarkable growth at the turn of the twentieth century when the community earned the nickname “Busy Amherst.” Along Victoria Street, visitors can discover an impressive collection of churches, banks, public buildings, and commercial properties constructed from locally quarried red sandstone. The stone came from the Amherst Red Stone Quarry, which operated from approximately 1889 to 1914 and supplied material for many of the town’s landmark buildings. Today, this concentration of sandstone architecture creates one of the most recognizable historic streetscapes in Nova Scotia.  

A walk through downtown Amherst reveals the craftsmanship and civic pride of an era when industry, rail transportation, and commerce were transforming the town. Notable sandstone landmarks include the First Baptist Church (1895), the former Bank of Montreal building (1906), the Old Post Office and Customs Building (1886), and the historic railway station (1908), all constructed with local stone and designed to project permanence and prosperity. More than a century later, these buildings continue to define Amherst’s character, offering visitors a tangible connection to the people, industries, and skilled artisans who helped shape the community’s history.

Fun fact: The stone was also used in Halifax, Truro and Ontario cities such as Toronto, Hamilton, Stratford and others, where you can still see many examples today.

Learn more about the Amherst Red Stone Quarry