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Of greater importance in its early years to Tatamagouche, was the opening of the road to Onslow. Previously all there was to follow were the trails of the Indians or the so-called French roads. Part of the expense of the new road was met by the seizure and sale of Acadian cattle in Prince Edward Island . It would seem, too, if some Acadian labour were used in cutting the trees and bushes. Its course is well known being the "Old Tatamagouche - Truro Road." It began at what was afterwards known as the Onslow Parade and was said to have taken an undeviating course from there till it came out near Waugh’s River at the Willow Church. * This plainly is an exaggeration, though in taking its course no attempts were made to circumvent hills, swamps or natural obstacles. From what was afterwards the site of the Willow Church down, it followed much the course of the present road except that it was closer to the river bank. No bridge, of course, was built at French River till years later. They either crossed by boats, or by making a detour forded the River at Donaldson’s. Once across the French River, the course of the Old French Road was followed and a new road made to Blockhouse Point and the fort. The "Old Truro Road" of today was part of this road and is still used as the main highway from the Willow Church to Tatamagouche Mountain. It originally ran to Roode’s pond** and then swung somewhat to the West of South till it came out at the Cobequid settlement, now known as Onslow. The road from Roode’s Pond to Onslow while no longer open for general traffic can be followed and is yet in use as a wood road. *The distance from the
Onslow Parade to the Willow Church was twenty-one miles, and to the Presbyterian
Church in the village itself twenty-three miles. It was thus about four miles
shorter than the present shortest route between Tatamagouche and Truro. But it
was not a level road, as it did not follow the course of any River. The
present "Truro Road" has a much lower course following as it does from Tatamagouche, the Waugh’s River to its source and then picking up the West
branch of the North River.
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