Saint John history

Founding and First Mentions

The history of the area where Saint John is now located begins long before the arrival of Europeans — these lands were inhabited by Indigenous peoples for centuries. The European chronicle of the city opened on 24 June 1604, when French explorer Samuel de Champlain entered the river mouth on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, which gave the name to the river, and subsequently to the city.

In the 17th century, French fortifications existed here, specifically Fort La Tour, which served as a centre for the fur trade. However, the modern history of the city began in 1783 with the mass arrival of Loyalists — settlers who remained loyal to the British Crown after the American War of Independence. In 1785, Saint John received a Royal Charter, becoming the first incorporated city in the territory of modern Canada.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid development of Saint John was predetermined by a unique combination of geographical and demographic factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location at the mouth of the powerful Saint John River, where it flows into the Bay of Fundy, ensured the city's status as an ice-free port, open for navigation year-round.
• Trade Potential: The river served as the main transport artery for delivering resources from the continent's interior to the ocean.
• Political Will: The mass migration of Loyalists instantly created a major urban centre with a ready-made social structure and a need for infrastructure development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of early Saint John consisted of logging and, particularly, shipbuilding. In the 19th century, the city became one of the world centres for building wooden vessels; local shipyards produced ships known for their speed and reliability.

Culturally, the city formed as a stronghold of British traditions in North America. The architecture, street names, and public institutions reflected the conservative values of the Loyalist founders. Later, the cultural landscape was enriched by waves of Irish immigration, but the status of the "Loyalist City" remained its hallmark.

17th–18th Centuries: From Discovery to Founding

• 1604 — Samuel de Champlain enters the river mouth on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, giving the name to the river and the future city.
• 1631 — Charles de La Tour builds a fortified trading post in the harbour to conduct the fur trade with the Indigenous population.
• 1783 — Arrival of the "Loyalist Fleet" with thousands of settlers from the USA, drastically increasing the region's population.
• 1785 — The settlements of Parrtown and Carleton merge under the name Saint John, which becomes Canada's first incorporated city.

19th Century: Prosperity and Trials

• 1842 — The opening of Dr. Gesner's collection to the public, marking the beginning of the New Brunswick Museum — the oldest museum in Canada.
• 1847 — Partridge Island receives the main flow of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine, becoming a key quarantine station.
• 1860 — Completion of the railway section connecting Saint John with the coast of the Northumberland Strait.
• 1877 — The "Great Fire" destroys more than 1,600 buildings, including the entire business district, leading to the rebuilding of the city in brick and stone.

20th–21st Centuries: Industrialisation and Modernity

• 1914 — With the outbreak of the First World War, the ice-free port becomes a critically important hub for sending troops and cargo to Europe.
• 1923 — Opening of one of the world's largest dry docks, significantly strengthening the city's position as a ship repair centre.
• 1968 — Commissioning of the Harbour Bridge, which connected the northern and western parts of the city and improved transport logistics.
• 1993 — Amalgamation of Saint John with several surrounding districts, substantially expanding the city's administrative boundaries.
• 2010 — Stonehammer Geopark in the city's vicinity becomes the first in North America to receive the prestigious status of a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Stages of Shaping the City's Appearance

The development of Saint John is a story of transformation from a colonial outpost to a modern industrial centre. Key milestones defined not only the region's economy but also its unique architectural style.

• Official Birth of the City (1785)
  The merger of the Parrtown and Carleton settlements made Saint John the first incorporated city in British North America.
  Significance: This event laid the administrative foundation and cemented the dominance of Loyalist culture, determining the city's conservative and British character for centuries to come.
• "Golden Age" of Shipbuilding (Mid-19th Century)
  The city became a global leader in building wooden sailing ships, including the famous clipper "Marco Polo".
  Significance: Shipbuilding brought the city immense wealth and international fame, stimulating an influx of skilled craftsmen and population growth.
• Architectural Renaissance after the Great Fire (1877)
  A devastating fire destroyed the wooden centre, leading to a massive rebuilding of the city, this time in brick and stone.
  Significance: The tragedy became a catalyst for urban planning reform. As a result, a unique ensemble of Victorian architecture was formed, which is today the main tourism asset of the historic centre.
• Status as the National "Winter Port" (Late 19th Century)
  Connection to the national railway network allowed the Port of Saint John to process cargo when the Saint Lawrence River froze.
  Significance: This turned the city into a key logistics hub for Canada, ensuring year-round employment at the port and integration into the national economy.
• Industrialisation and the Energy Sector (Since the 1960s)
  Construction of Canada's largest oil refinery, Irving Oil, and the development of heavy industry.
  Significance: The economic vector shifted from timber trade to energy and manufacturing, providing the region with industrial power and jobs in the second half of the 20th century.
• Waterfront Revitalisation (1980s–1990s)
  Implementation of the Market Square project and renewal of the coastal zone.
  Significance: The city reimagined its relationship with the water, transforming old industrial wharves into public spaces. This launched the development of the tourism industry and made the centre a place for cultural leisure.

Architectural Chronicle of the City

The urban appearance of Saint John is unique in its duality: it is an industrial port with one of the most coherent ensembles of Victorian architecture in North America preserved at its heart. A turning point in the history of development was the Great Fire of 1877. The fire destroyed the wooden centre but kickstarted a massive reconstruction that mandated buildings be constructed of brick and stone, which defined the modern look of the historic quarters.

Eras and Styles

The architecture of Saint John serves as a visual guide to the history of 19th and 20th-century styles. Each era left its mark, shaping a recognisable urban landscape.

• Georgian Style (Late 18th – Early 19th Century)
  Characterised by strict symmetry and restraint inherent to the early Loyalist settlers. The brightest example is Loyalist House, built in 1817. One of the few buildings to survive the fire, it demonstrates the classical proportions and simplicity of forms of that time.
• Victorian Eclecticism (Late 19th Century)
  After the 1877 fire, the city was rebuilt in rich and decorative styles symbolizing the commercial success of the port.
  • Second Empire: A popular style for commercial buildings, recognisable by mansard roofs and rich window decoration. Prince William Street, designated a National Historic Site, is a reserve of this style.
  • Italianate Style: Distinguished by wide eaves with brackets and arched windows, giving trading warehouses the look of Italian palazzos.
• Neo-Gothic (Mid – Late 19th Century)
  A style dominating church construction, reaching upwards with pointed arches and spires. A magnificent specimen is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, whose architecture reflects the spiritual aspirations of the city's Irish community.
• Renaissance and Classicism (Early 20th Century)
  Buildings of this period demonstrate monumentality and a return to ancient canons. The Imperial Theatre, restored to its original splendour, is considered one of Canada's most beautiful theatre buildings in the Renaissance Revival style.
• Modernism and Brutalism (Mid-20th Century)
  In the post-war years, buildings made of concrete and glass, devoid of decoration, appeared in the city. An example is the City Hall building, towering over the city as a symbol of administrative power of the new era.

Urban Planning Features

The layout of Saint John's centre is subject to the complex terrain. Streets descend steeply towards the water, creating picturesque perspectives. An important element of the urban environment is the Inside Connection (pedway system), linking key buildings in the centre — from shopping complexes to hotels and museums — allowing movement around the city in comfort in any weather.

A special place is occupied by the Saint John City Market. Its unique roof, built by shipwrights in the shape of an inverted ship's hull, serves as a monument to the craftsmanship of local shipbuilders and connects the city's architecture with its maritime soul.

Historical Figures and Pioneers

• Samuel de Champlain (1567–1635) — French explorer and cartographer.
  A key figure in the early history of the region. In 1604, he entered the river mouth and named it in honour of Saint John the Baptist, which subsequently gave the name to the city itself.
• Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley (1818–1896) — Politician and pharmacist.
  One of the "Fathers of Confederation". He played a decisive role in the unification of Canadian provinces and, according to legend, suggested the term "Dominion" for the name of the new state. His home in Saint John is a historical monument.

Science and Industry

• Abraham Gesner (1797–1864) — Physician and geologist.
  The inventor of kerosene. While living in Saint John, he was the first to develop a process for distilling fuel from coal and bitumen. He also founded a museum that became the predecessor of the modern New Brunswick Museum.
• Kenneth Colin (K.C.) Irving (1899–1992) — Industrialist and entrepreneur.
  Founder of the Irving Group industrial empire. Starting his business in the region, he turned Saint John into a major centre for oil refining and shipbuilding, exerting a colossal influence on the city's economy in the 20th century.

Culture and Art

• Louis B. Mayer (1884–1957) — Film producer.
  Co-founder of the legendary Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio and creator of the Hollywood "star" system. He spent his childhood and youth in Saint John, where he helped his father in the scrap metal business before leaving for the USA.
• Walter Pidgeon (1897–1984) — Actor.
  A star of Hollywood's "Golden Age", twice nominated for an Academy Award. Born and raised in Saint John; his career spanned over 50 years, including roles in classic films such as "Mrs. Miniver".
• Donald Sutherland (1935–2024) — Theatre and film actor.
  A legend of world cinema, recipient of an Honorary Academy Award. A native of Saint John, he began his journey here before becoming one of the most recognisable Canadian actors in history.
• Stompin' Tom Connors (1936–2013) — Musician and songwriter.
  A cult Canadian country-folk performer. Born in Saint John, he became a national symbol, celebrating the lives of ordinary Canadians and the country's geography in his songs.

Sport

• Charles Gorman (1897–1940) — Speed skater.
  Known as the "Human Dynamo". He set seven world records and participated in the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, bringing fame to Saint John in the international sports arena.