East Preston, Nova Scotia

Richard Preston, the famous African Nova Scotia leader and minister, the community was established long before he arrived.

Preston arrived after escaping American slavery, in search of his mother.

Known simply as Preston, soon the two would identify themselves differently by adding the North and East in front of it.

East and North Preston are well known across the Maritimes; together they comprise the largest indigenous black community in Canada founded before the 20th century.

At one time when Preston was important as the source of market garden produce, East Preston also played an important role in supplying produce from small farm holdings.

But, with the demand for land and the growth of the city of Halifax, many people from other areas have joined the community.