History of Caraquet, Gloucester, New Brunswick, Canada

1817 - Église de Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens established at Caraquet

www.gcatholic.org

1873
CARAQUETTE, a seaport town and port of entry in Gloucester co., N.B., situated on an inlet of Baie des Chaleurs, 48 miles from Bathurst. It is one of the most important fishery stations in the Dominion. It has a telegraph office and several stores. A lighthouse on Caraquette Island, at the entrance to the harbor, exhibits a fixed white light 52 feet above the level of the sea. The total number of arrivals in 1872 was 8 (tons 574), and the clearances 7 (tons 217.) Total value of imports $17,101; exports $3,194. Pop. 1,000.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1874 - April 8, 1874 - Caraquet Railway Company founded, to build a railway connecting Caraquet and Shippegan Harbour to the Intercolonial Railway near Bathurst.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ April_8

1874 - The Caraquet Murder. Confession of the Murderer.
BATHURST, New-Brunswick, April 30. - Gallian, who murdered Poulin in Caraquet, has made a confession. He says he was incited to the act by Poulin's wife, who importuned him to kill her husband that they may consummate their liaison by marriage. The night before the murder she sharpened a knife and gave it to him, telling him to be on the look-out for her husband when he went to the woods for rails next day. He promised to do so, and secreted the knife on his person. When he met Poulin in the woods next day he said, "Poulin, I am going to kill you." His victim on bended knees implored him for time to confess his sins to his priest, when he would be willing to be killed at any time, or would leave the country. While Poulin was in this suppliant attitude the prisoner struck him on the head with a stick, stunning him, and finished his bloody work with an ax. Poulin's daughter testified on the inquest that her mother went to Gallian's bed one night and told him that her husband was asleep... Read MORE...

1875 - January 14, 1875 - Start of 2-week riot between Acadians and English in Caraquet
New Brunswick legislature passes the The Common Schools Act, setting up non-sectarian schools in the province using public funding; militia called in to restore order after businesses are torched and two rioters, one Acadian and one English are killed; in response the province agrees to allow the Catholic church to continue religious instruction in church schools, and approve textbooks.

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ January_14

1877 - Family Drowned
At Caraquet, N. B., a family of five persons was drowned attempting to cross the Pokeouch river.

The Times
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Times

1887 - Woman kills her child with spoon
An unmarried woman, named Ross, has been arrested at Caraquet, New Brunswick, for infanticide. It is
charged that she murdered her infant by forcing a spoon down its throat. It is suspected that she killed her two other children, who died a short time ago.
The Daily Republican
Wilmington, Delaware
July 21, 1887

1887 - PLUNGED OFF A BRIDGE. EIGHT MEN PERISH UNDER AN ENGINE.
Moncton, N.B., Dec. 19. - A fearful disaster occurred last night near Caraquette Station, on the northern division of the Intercolonial Railroad. It is reported that a train went through a bridge and that ten men were killed. No particulars have yet been received.

Later - The disaster occurred at a point about forty miles from Bathurst, the capital of Gloucester County, one of the northern counties of the province. For several days the locality has been visited by tremendous snowstorms and the track was obstructed by enormous drifts. The east-bound accommodation train, filled with passengers, left Caraquette for Bathurst, having a snow-plow attached. As the train approached McIntosh's Cove a huge drift was discovered at the west end of the bridge. They detached the engine and plow from the rest of the train to plow into the drift, expecting that little trouble would be experienced in removing the obstruction. There were thirteen persons, who accompanied the driver of the engine on... Read MORE...

1895 - Caraquette
Caraquette, kā'rā'két', a port of entry in Gloucester co., New Brunswick, on Caraquette Bay, an inlet of the Bay of Chaleurs, 48 miles E.N.E. of Bathurst. It is an important fishery station. There is a light-house on Caraquette Island at the entrance to the harbor. Pop. 1000.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1898 - Caraquet
In 1898 Caraquet was a seaport and sub-port of entry on the Caraquet and Gulf Shore Railway and a farming and fishing community with 14 stores, 3 hotels, 2 lumber mills, 2 lobster factories, 1 tannery, 5 codfish plants, 1 university, 1 convent, 2 churches and a population of 2,500: included Le Bouthillier, located 3 km E of Caraquet, the community of Sainte-Anne-du-Bocage, located 5 km W of Caraquet: PO Sainte-Anne-du-Bocage 1919-1970: Also included the community of Pointe-Rocheuse.
archives.gnb.ca

1916
Caraqaet, or Caraquette, an outport of Gloucester co., New Brunswick, on Caraquet Bay, an inlet of the Bay of Chaleur, 46 miles ENE. of Bathurst, its banking point. It is an important fishery station. There is a light-house on Caraquet Island at the entrance to the harbor. Pop. about 1500.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Caraquet
Caraquet, NB, incorporated as a town in 1961, population 4169 (2011c), 4156 (2006c). The Town of Caraquet is located 68 km northeast of Bathurst. Its houses line the Baie de Caraquet, a rocky section of CHALEUR BAY's southern coast, offering magnificent views of the sea and the GASPÉ PENINSULA. Attracted by the rich fishing grounds, the first French settlers arrived about 1750. ACADIAN refugees, Québec fishermen and English-speaking traders followed, and from 1837 to 1939 the Jersey-based Robin fishing company dominated the economy. Local industry still depends on the excellent harbour and on fishing and boatbuilding, despite government-subsidized efforts to attract other industries.

A centre of Acadian religion and culture, Caraquet saw riots in 1875 when the government threatened to stop funding the convent school. The Sacré Coeur College, operating here 1899-1915, hosted the Acadian Convention of 1905. The Acadian Federation of Caisses Populaires headquarters and the Acadian... Read MORE...

Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Caraquet:
1. Village Historique Acadien (Acadian Historical Village):
The Village Historique Acadien is a must-visit attraction in Caraquet. It's a living history museum that brings to life the Acadian heritage of the region. You can stroll through historic buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and get a feel for life in the 18th and 19th centuries. The village often hosts special events and festivals that showcase Acadian culture.

2. Le Pays de la Sagouine:
Another cultural gem in Caraquet, Le Pays de la Sagouine is a recreated 20th-century Acadian village inspired by the works of acclaimed Acadian author Antonine Maillet. The village features live theater, music, and dance performances, as well as restaurants serving traditional Acadian cuisine.

3. Caraquet Wharf:
For a taste of the sea, head to Caraquet Wharf. It's not only a functional fishing harbor but also a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the scenic views of the bay. You can watch local fishermen... Read MORE...