Big Island, Pictou County

Big Island, a small rural community in Pictou County, it is considered to be a barrier island system, formed of sand and gravel, with a mix of dunes, salt marshes, fertile farm land, and a long north-facing beach. Its natural causeway connects it to the mainland, though historically this was a tidal crossing before several man-made road improvements. These improvements over time have made the community accessible by road yet still having the sense of being apart from the bustle of the mainland.

The Mi’kmaq name for the area was “Kikchesebeiik” meaning a passage close to land or close inshore.

Early records from the 18th and 19th centuries describe the sea “cutting across the beach which connected what is now the Big Island with the land,” suggesting that it was once more of a true island before becoming a peninsula.

The island was granted to John Hencker in 1765 and was probably purchased by Lieut. Col. Robertson of the 82nd division about 1785 because by January, 1803, it became known as Robertsons Island. In the late 19th century the name gradually changed to Merigomish Island and the community name became Big Island.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing historical tidbits is the connection of Big Island to the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1896, a prospector named Robert Henderson, who hailed from Big Island, brought the first gold out of the Klondike. His discovery indirectly led to the massive gold rush that captured the world’s attention.

Settlement began here before 1806.

Population in 1956 was 97.