This Week in Saint John History

August 10–16, 2026

Saint John has a remarkable history, and every week brings another opportunity to look back at the people, places and events that helped shape the Port City.

Here are some highlights from August 10–16 in Saint John history.

🎈 August 10 — Canada’s First Balloon Ascension

On August 10, 1840, Monsieur L.A. Lauriat made what New Brunswick Archives describes as the first balloon ascension in Canada.

The flight took place from Barrack Square in Saint John, attracting crowds eager to see the remarkable spectacle. At a time when air travel was still the stuff of dreams, the event gave Saint John residents a very early glimpse of aviation history.

⚒️ August 11 — Labour and Working Conditions

Saint John’s industrial growth brought thousands of workers into shipyards, factories, workshops and other businesses.

On August 11, 1904, the Royal Commission on Labour heard evidence in Saint John concerning working conditions, wages, hours, workplace safety and other issues affecting New Brunswick workers.

The hearings provide an interesting snapshot of the challenges faced by working people in Saint John more than a century ago.

🏭 August 12 — The Industrial Port City

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Saint John had become one of Atlantic Canada’s important industrial and commercial centres.

Shipbuilding, manufacturing, the railway and the port were all central to the city’s economy.

Saint John’s waterfront was a busy place, with ships, workers, warehouses and businesses contributing to the city’s reputation as the Port City.

🍀 August 13 — A City Shaped by Immigration

Saint John’s history cannot be told without talking about immigration.

During the Irish famine of the 1840s, large numbers of Irish immigrants arrived in Saint John.

Many stayed and became part of the community, leaving a lasting influence on Saint John’s culture, neighbourhoods, churches and institutions.

The city’s Irish heritage remains an important part of Saint John’s identity today.

💧 August 14 — New Waterworks and Fire Protection

On August 14, 1838, a new waterworks system, including fire hydrants, became operational in Saint John.

This was particularly important for a city that had experienced devastating fires.

Reliable water infrastructure helped improve the city’s ability to fight fires and protect homes and businesses.

👑 August 15 — A Royal Visit

On August 15, 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales, visited Saint John.

During his visit, Royal Colours were presented to New Brunswick’s 26th Battalion. New Brunswick war heroes also received medals of honour.

The visit came only months after the end of the First World War and was an important event for the city and province.

🏛️ August 16 — New Brunswick’s 150th Anniversary

August 16, 1934 marked the 150th anniversary of New Brunswick becoming a separate province.

That same day, Prime Minister R.B. Bennett officially reopened Canada’s first public museum in its new Douglas Street building in Saint John.

The institution would eventually become the New Brunswick Museum, an important part of the province’s cultural and historical heritage.

Saint John Then & Now

From balloon flights and new waterworks to royal visits and busy shipyards, the history of Saint John is filled with remarkable moments.

The city was incorporated in 1785, making Saint John Canada’s first incorporated city.

Today, many of the places and institutions that grew from that early history remain an important part of life in the Port City.

That’s Saint John — yesterday, today and tomorro