Blacks of the Lower Saint John River Valley
The Black Loyalists mark the first mass migration of free and enslaved Blacks beginning in 1782. But from the early seventeenth century Blacks likely traversed the regions coastal regions with Champlain and other European powers.
The first identified Black in the Saint John River Valley is noted in Benjamin Church’s journal in the 1680s. Coincidentally, this record also hints at ties between fugitive British slaves and the Wəlastəkwewiyik. The regions Black history is extensive and rich and challenges the victim narrative still prevalent in contemporary dialogue.
Places
Poor House, Saint Andrews
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
The old poor house, "Slab Town" and Saint Andrew's Black Community.
No Slave Masters Admitted: The Quaker Meeting Hall, Beaver Harbour
Beaver Harbour, New Brunswick
Founded by American Quakers, this community was racially desegregated.
Road Map
St. Andrews, New Brunswick to Beaver Harbour, New Brunswick
Popular VisitLists
Familiar landmarks: heritage lighthouses in Canada
Victoria, British Columbia to 4 places
Stories about Canadian heritage lighthouses, their keepers and families.
View VisitList
Atlantic Canada’s Hidden Histories
Shelburne, Nova Scotia to Fredericton, New Brunswick 40 places
geocaches that demonstrate the rich, diverse histories of Atlantic Canada.
View VisitList
Black Islanders
Cardigan, Prince Edward Island to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island 4 places
The surprising Black history of Prince Edward Island.
View VisitList
50 Great Saves: The Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act
Duncan, British Columbia to McAdam, New Brunswick 10 places
In 1990, the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act came into effect after years of lobbying with the help of the National Trust for Canada. The act has granted over 150 railway stations federal legal protection across the country including the Duncan train station in Duncan, BC and the McAdam Railway Station in McAdam, New Brunswick.
View VisitList