THIS WEEK IN SAINT JOHN HISTORY

November 1–7, 2026

BevNice.ca | Remembering the people, places and events that shaped the Port City

Saint John has a remarkable history stretching back more than 240 years. From its Loyalist beginnings and thriving shipbuilding industry to its important role in Canadian transportation and commerce, the Port City has helped shape the history of New Brunswick and Canada.

This week, we remember some important November milestones, notable Saint John connections and the people who helped build our community.

November 1 — A Saint John Connection to New Brunswick’s Leadership

1945 — David Laurence MacLaren appointed Lieutenant-Governor

David Laurence MacLaren, of Saint John, was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick on November 1, 1945.

His appointment is one of the Saint John connections recorded in the province’s historical calendar.

Did you know? Saint John has played an important role in provincial politics and public life since New Brunswick became a separate province in 1784.

November 2 — Remembering the Loyalist Winter

1783 — A difficult beginning for early settlers

As Loyalist settlers established new communities in New Brunswick, the arrival of winter brought serious hardships.

Historical records describe settlers at St. Anne’s Point, now Fredericton, facing their first snowfall and freezing temperatures on November 2, 1783. Many were living in small tents without floors and had few provisions.

The experience reflects the difficult conditions faced by many of the Loyalists who settled in the Saint John River region.

November 3 — The Growth of a Maritime Province

1850 — Fredericton receives gas lighting

On November 3, 1850, Fredericton was illuminated by gas lights for the first time.

During this period, Saint John was also developing as an important commercial and industrial centre. Gas lighting and other improvements were part of the technological changes transforming nineteenth-century New Brunswick.

November 4 — Remembering New Brunswick’s Early Settlements

1758 — Grimross settlement destroyed

On November 4, 1758, British forces under Colonel Robert Monckton destroyed the Acadian village of Grimross, near present-day Gagetown.

Approximately 50 buildings and the community’s winter food supplies were destroyed.

This tragic event forms part of the wider history of the Acadian Deportation and the turbulent struggle for control of the region.

November 5 — New Brunswick’s Changing Communities

1969 — Cap-Pelé becomes incorporated

On November 5, 1969, Cap-Pelé became an incorporated village.

Although outside Saint John, this milestone reflects the continuing development of communities throughout New Brunswick during the twentieth century.

November 6 — A Saint John Leader Takes Office

1917 — William Pugsley appointed Lieutenant-Governor

William Pugsley, of Saint John, was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick on November 6, 1917.

Pugsley was a prominent New Brunswick politician who had served as Premier from 1907 to 1908. His appointment marked another occasion when a Saint John figure held the province’s highest vice-regal office.

November 7 — The Railway That Helped Unite Canada

1885 — Completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway

On November 7, 1885, the last spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway at Craigellachie, British Columbia.

The completion of the railway was a defining moment in Canadian history. It strengthened connections between eastern and western Canada and helped transform transportation, trade and settlement.

For Saint John, rail connections were especially important to the city’s development as a major Atlantic port, linking the harbour to markets and communities across the country.

A Final Thought — Saint John’s Enduring Legacy

Saint John’s history is not simply about dates and buildings. It is about the people who crossed oceans, built ships, established businesses, raised families and helped create the community we know today.

From the Loyalists of 1783 to the industrial growth of the nineteenth century, the Port City has continually adapted while preserving its maritime character.

We remember the past because it helps us understand the community we call home.

BevNice.ca — Celebrating Saint John, New Br