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O’Leary was established around 125 years ago, with the creation of the Prince County rail system. The main line travelled through the community and a siding and two spur lines were laid opposite the station. The village quickly became a service centre for the area. The railroad company established a coal shed and water tank in the community. The post office and existing local entrepreneurs (mills, warehouses) took advantage of the rail lines. Soon, new merchants and manufacturers set up shop and established O’Leary’s role as trade and service centre for West Prince.
O'Leary was named after one of the earliest settlers, Michael O'Leary, who came to Prince Edward Island from Ireland in 1837 and settled in West Cape, overlooking the Northumberland Strait. As the closest business centre was in Cascumpec on the opposite shore, Michael blazed a direct trail to this centre. The trail became known as the O'Leary Road. In 1874 when the railroad was completed and intersected the O'Leary Road, a railway station was built, which was the first building in O'Leary Station. People then began to move inland to be closer to the railway.
The Confederation Trail is intersected by O’Leary’s main street, and is an excellent starting point for a day of walking, biking, enjoying nature, and getting to know West Prince in a whole new way. Snowmobiling is a popular winter pastime, and the trail offers many rest areas for coffee and warmth.
P.E.I. Potato Blossom Festival is held annually during the last week of July and features a mammoth parade, midway, giant bingo, night-life, sidewalk sales, car rally, and many more attractions.
The latest attraction added to our Community is a 14 foot fibreglass Russet Burbank potato, which stands on the front lawn of the world's only potato museum. It's a big potato and quite unique. This project is representative of potato growing and shipping in our Community and was realized through fund raising efforts by the local potato industry and other interested parties. The potato was created by Pat MacHugh of Waterline Inc., an Island fibre glassing company.
It is an excellent photograph background for you and your family, which would make a lasting momento of our Community. While visiting the museum grounds, take a stroll around to the little red schoolhouse, the old Catholic Church and the log building which houses artifacts from O'Leary's history. As well, the children would really enjoy the playground which is situated nearby.
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