The numbers of people living in Arichat and St. Peter’s fell in the years that followed. Still, communities in Richmond County were good places to live. Most people who stayed worked in the fishery. They either fished or worked in fish processing plants as their parents and grandparents had done.

Suddenly, in 1992 all that changed. For over 400 years people had been fishing northern cod off this part of Cape Breton Island. But by 1992 there were no fish left. What could the fishing communities do?

Comprehension Questions

1. Why was Arichat so busy in the early 1800s?

2. Why were the early 1800s called the “glory days” of Arichat in the story?

3. How did the new railway hurt St. Peter’s and Arichat?