The Area of Arcadia is bordered by the Chebogue River. From Chebogue Point to Pinkney's Point all villages were called Chebogue: respectively, West, Upper and East. Upper Chebogue was later named Arcadia on January 27th, 1893. (See Arcadia Home page). Two miles from Yarmouth Town, it was settled in 1760 by New Englanders who probably left because of the threat of persecution and the pending revolution by the Americans/New Englanders. These settlers were loyal to the British Empire and were not wanted in the 13 colonies.

When they moved to Nova Scotia, they increased the population substantially, and if it were not for their suffering and persecution, many of the surrounding villages of Yarmouth County would not exist today. East Chebogue was renamed Melbourne on April 12th, 1872. The name Chebogue comes from the Mi'kmac word, Utkubok, which means Spring Water. Indian tribes in the Arcadia region were mostly Mi'kmacs from the Algonquin race who used the river for fishing and trapping. They later made encampments at the head of the river, used for trading. This area is now known as Arcadia Corner and is where the first store in the Area of Arcadia was operated in 1803 by David Van Norden. The area remains to this day the business sector of Arcadia. Due to the lack of roads, the businesses were all built along the river bank since the river provided the only means of transportation at that time. 

Patrick Gowen of Kittery, Maine, settled in this area in the spring of 1762, followed later in the year by Seth Barnes, Cornelius Rogers and George Bridgeo. They built log homes among the trees near the shore line. Patrick Gowen was a land surveyor, the first in the County of Yarmouth He died in March, 1776, and was buried on his own property, for many years known as Gowen's Point. 

Over two hundred years ago, on April 7th, 1767, those in this community receiving grants of land included Patrick Gowen, George Bridgeo, Cornelius Rogers, William Curtis, John Symonds and Lemuel Churchill. September 18th, 1867 the first Canadian election was held. Ansel Robbins, Sr., was clerk for the number 3 polling district, which was Arcadia. Open voting took place in the old meeting house near Vickery's Corner. This building was later moved to Arcadia corner, now a part of the once S.G. Trefry block, which no longer exists. Ballot Voting in Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada was instituted in 1871. 
 

Arcadia, although a small region, also has several religious institutions. The Baptist church was dedicated on July 12, 1868. The Wesleyan church opened July 9, 1871. The building housing Holy Trinity Anglican church of Yarmouth, which was located in the town of Yarmouth, was torn down and later re-erected in Arcadia.   A new Holy Trinity Anglican Church was built in Yarmouth Town, and remains to this day. 

Chebogue-Arcadia

They settled first along the banks. Where marshland edged the way, Were shltered from the icy blasts. They had coped with on the Bay. 

First homes were crude - log huts and such In sheltered isles and coves Where axe and adz were plied with skill Within the wooded groves 

They fished the river, trapped the woodes, Felled trees along the way, Built boats and eked their living Toiling hard from day to day 

The few that came to these shores first Were settled far apart 
Each to his own labors bent At times with heavy heart. 

This glossary is of pioneers Who came with hearts aglow 
To wrest a living from the rough 205 years ago. 

As confederation time drew near This village had its name 
Shipyards edged the river And saw mills did the same. 

Smithy shops were many Wood paths made into roads, 
Scows, raft, and boat of every size, Rode the waters with great loads 

Spar yards, sail lofts, and cobbler shops Were built again, again, 
While blacksmiths fashioned anchors And miles of iron chain. 

At this time things were booming Large families thrived and grew 
A ship from here fitted out Even to the crew 

Another century has passed Which brings us to this day, 
A very different era And a very different way 

Time marches on--the years go by, Great changes come and go, 
Each decade made improvements Over those of long ago 

The unchanged River still flows on As it has always done, 
Now speed-boats skim its waters From dawn to setting sun. 

New highways, fast cars, modern homes Railroad, Airport and so 
Many things undreamed about Even one hundred years ago. 

As on we press to heights unknown In ease and comforts go, 
Let us pause and offer thanks For those folks that made it so. 

E.M. Rankin, Arcadia, N.S. 1967

a) The Bartlett house, located in Arcadia is one of the few remaining homes which has the old Acadian style of housing incorporated into it. 

b) The only school in Arcadia, Arcadia Consolidated School opened in September 1958. This school is still in operation. The Utkubok Trail was completed in 1993-94, located by Arcadia School. (for further information, follow the link) 

c) The new post office, located in the business sector of Arcadia, was completed in 1967, it is also still in operation. 

d) The population in 1956 was 489. 

e) Location of one of the few trailor parks in Yarmouth, Loomer's Campground.