Early impressions of the land were not positive, with surveyors noting the rocky soil as one problem.

[4] The first sawmill was constructed at the bottom of Stanley hill in 1856, by the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Land Company.

The Trans-Canada Pipeline, natural gas exploration and a tungsten and molybdenum mine near Stanley.

However there are concerns about the environmental impact these projects may have on the environment, including the Nashwaak River.

[5] On 1 January 2023, Stanley amalgamated with parts of four local service districts to form the new incorporated rural community of Nashwaak.