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History of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Journey back in time to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
About Saint John
Samuel de Champlain arrived at Saint John Harbour, at the mouth of the St. John River, on 24 June 1604 — the feast of St. John the Baptist. Champlain changed the name of the river, known to the Wolastoqiyik as Wolastoq, to St. John. However, the first permanent colonial settlement wasn’t attempted until 1631, when Charles de la Tour constructed Fort La Tour at the site of present-day Saint John.
Saint John Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Library and Archives Canada
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca

91 Waterloo St., Saint John, NEW BRUNSWICK E2L 3P9
Source: Google maps
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to SAINT JOHN

CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.

NEW BRUNSWICK - Poutine Râpée, Coques Frites, and Pets de Sœur - I LOVE New Brunswick - Ceramic Mug
Embrace the heart and soul of New Brunswick with our delightful ceramic mug featuring three beloved local delicacies. Enjoy your morning brew in style as you savor the flavors of Poutine Râpée (boiled pork dumpling), Coques Frites (fried clams), and Pets de Sœur (cinnamon rolls, also known as "nuns farts"). Each sip will transport you to the charming streets of New Brunswick, where these culinary delights are celebrated. Show your love for this unique province with every cup!

CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"

CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.

NEW BRUNSWICK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Discover Your Family Legacy
Dive into your family history with every sip from our "New Brunswick Roots" coffee mug. Perfect for genealogy enthusiasts and proud New Brunswickers alike, this mug celebrates your family heritage with style. Featuring a sleek design and the nostalgic "New Brunswick Roots" caption, it’s an ideal companion for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or late-night research sessions.
Discover Saint John: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Saint John through the years.
Show more local history, news & stories
The city is regularly laid out and well built It stands on a declivity, and when approach d from the sea has an imposing appearance. The whole of the elevated portion of the city consists of solid rock, which, for the purpose of forming tolerable streets, has had in some places to be excavated to a depth of 30 and 40 feet.
The buildings are chiefly of brick and Stone, and many of the public edifices have an elegant appearance. The principal ones are St. Mary's Cathedral, (R.C.,) Lunatic Asylum, City Hospital, Court House and Gaol, Marine Hospital, Penitentiary,...
ST. JOHN, N. B., June 28. - Business is now proceeding as usual, and there is little to record except the constant receipt of money and provisions and the unsuccessful efforts to recover missing people. It is now known that 14 persons perished and that over 90 received injuries, some proving fatal. Gen. Warner, United States Consul, is working indefatigably in behalf of the sufferers, and other United States citizens, resident here, are foremost in the good work. Mr. Trusdell, Superintendent of the Chicago Relief Society, was before the Executive Committee to-day and explained the workings of the organization. A good system is now being arranged. Stolen goods are being recovered in the suburbs of the town. It is reported that two schooners loaded with stolen goods have arrived at Parreboro, Nova Scotia, and that masters and crews are under arrest.
St. John, June 28, - A public meeting was held yesterday, which was presided over by the...
Down by the wharves the city is busiest. Great steamers from all parts of the world lie near the wharves to take in their cargoes of lumber. site bank of the river is bordered with sawmills, whose shrill sound can be plainly heard. The harbor is filled with craft of every description . Sailing vessels are on all sides of us ; some moored, with their masts rising naked and bare ; others, under clouds of white or yellow canvas, scudding hither and thither. Here is a...
Saint John's earliest known inhabitants were the MI'KMAQ and later the MALISEET. Samuel de CHAMPLAIN arrived at Saint John Harbour on 24 June 1604 - the feast of St John the Baptist - and gave the river its name. No permanent settlement was attempted until 1630 when Charles de LA TOUR constructed a fort (Fort La Tour) at the site of present-day Saint John.
In 1701 the newly appointed French governor of ACADIA, Jacques-François de Brouillan, destroyed the fort and consolidated his forces across the bay at PORT-ROYAL. Not until the 1730s did Acadians from other parts of the Bay of Fundy begin resettling along the river.
By 1749 ownership of the territory surrounding Saint John was in dispute between England and France, and in the ensuing...
Saint John City Market: Explore Canada's oldest continuing farmers' market in the heart of the city. The market is a great place to grab a snack, shop for local products, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
New Brunswick Museum: Dive into the history and culture of the region at the New Brunswick Museum. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts, art, and exhibitions that tell the story of the province.
Saint John Through Time Walking Tours: Join a guided walking tour to discover the city's history, architecture, and stories. You can choose from a variety of themed tours, including historic and ghostly adventures.
Irving Nature Park: For outdoor enthusiasts, this park offers hiking trails, beaches, and opportunities for...
Discover YOUR Roots: Saint John Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Saint John through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
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