Southeast of the town of Sussex, with which it shares a border, the village was settled by Loyalists during the American Revolution.

Sussex Corner was home to the fastest half-mile horse racetrack in North America during the mid-19th century.

Among his many contributions to the area, McMonagle introduced the first Holstein cattle to the region, leading to its strong reputation of being the Dairy Capital of the Maritimes.

Sussex Vale was the economic centre of Kings County in the mid-19th century, with growth slowing after the railroad arrived.

McMonagle protested the original plans for the tracks to cross his land and racetrack, and so the railroad was built two miles west of the community.