It is named after the community of Port Hood immediately to the east on Cape Breton Island.

In 1905, when Macdonald was 15, the family moved to the town of Port Hood, Cape Breton.

Port Hood experienced an economic boom from 1880 to 1910, with the coal mining, fishing and marine trade.

Port Hood is known to have some of the warmest waters in Eastern Canada.

After nearly 40 years of operation, the closure of Port Hood Consolidated and was announced for the Spring on 2000.

Campbell died in office at Port Hood.

He was called to the bar in the following year and set up practice at Port Hood.

McDonnell died at Port Hood at the age of 76.

In 1879, he was called to the Nova Scotia Bar and set up practice in Port Hood.

He also served as registrar of probate for Richmond County from 1842 until his death at Port Hood four years later.