1846

From The Story of Dartmouth, by John P. Martin:

The advantages of Dartmouth as a summer resort were extolled by a correspondent in the newspaper Nova Scotian, in the early summer of 1846. Perhaps the writer was Joseph Howe who at that time, was residing at Middle Musquodoboit, and who would observe the changes on his frequent journeys through Dartmouth. This article appeared among the Halifax items:

We have observed that many of our citizens in order to enjoy the sunny smiles of summer, have removed their residence to Dartmouth for a few ensuing months, while others literally in droves, are constantly crossing and recrossing our harbor that they may inhale that sweet air, which in the heart of the City, cannot be enjoyed. No observer can overlook the rapid improvements that are taking place in this town. There is much enterprise here, although it is without noise.

In addition to the completeness of the town, its contiguity to some delightful rambles, which for romantic beauty can scarcely be equaled elsewhere, renders it a most desirable and pleasant retreat for the summer months. We are not surprised to learn, therefore, of the rapid increase in the value of landed property in Dartmouth, and we opine that at no very distant period, the town will equal in dimensions our own City at the present time.