From the 1861 census: "The town is small, consisting chiefly of one street, with the church in the centre, and another row of houses (termed the Newtown), facing the bay. The chief support of the place is the herring-fishing, for which, till recenly, Loch Fyne has been so famous. A considerable number of the inhabitants also find employment on the property of his Grace the Duke of Argyll, to whom, indeed, the whole town belongs. Being the county town of Argyllshire, there is a good deal of law business done, giving employment to a number of writers. Here likewise the assizes for the Counties of Argyll and Bute are held. There are two branch Banks of the place, and two good Hotels."