A bit of history:
Arichat was first settled in the early 1700s. In 1713, a permanent settlement now known as Arichat was established beginning the rapid economic rise of Isle Madame. 

In 1752, the population of the island totaled 125 people of French, English, and Irish descent and Arichat Harbour was becoming an international trading port by 1801.

Arichat itself had a population of 1,520 people and 192 ships, making Isle Madame a major trading and business center. 

The growth of the island persisted through the 1830s when the population of Arichat surpassed 2,000 and continued on until it peaked around the time of Confederation.