Mcadam, New Brunswick: A Canadian Gem

McAdam is a village in the southwestern corner of York County, New Brunswick, Canada. It covers 14.28 square kilometres (5.51 sq mi) and has a population of around 1,200 people. The village is located on the New Brunswick/Maine border along Route 4 and has been welcoming visitors since the mid-1800s when it was a major railway centre. McAdam is known for its friendly nature and is home to the McAdam Railway Station, a National Historic Site of Canada and a New Brunswick Provincial Historic Site. The village offers stunning century-old homes and buildings, as well as modern amenities and services. McAdam provides easy access to the great outdoors, including Wauklehegan Lake and the St. Croix River, making it a gem for nature enthusiasts.

McAdam is a village in the southwestern corner of York County, New Brunswick, Canada

The area was first settled in the mid-to-late 19th century as a group of small lumber camps. The original settlement of what is now McAdam began sometime between 1857 and 1869, after the establishment of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railway (SA&Q). The village was first known as City Camp, a collective of several lumbering encampments that sprang up alongside the line. By the late 1860s, the European and North American Railway's "Western Extension" was completed, joining the SA&Q line in City Camp. As a result, City Camp was renamed McAdam Junction after John McAdam, a prominent lumberman and politician with numerous land grants in the area.

McAdam is located on the New Brunswick/Maine border along Route 4 and has been welcoming visitors since the mid-1800s when it served as a major railway centre. The village is home to the McAdam Railway Station, a National Historic Site of Canada and a New Brunswick Provincial Historic Site. The railway station is an active museum offering tours, catered meals, conference facilities, and a Visitor Information Centre. It draws as many as 30,000 visitors a year.

The village of McAdam has a vibrant history and a unique culture, surrounded by a naturally warm and welcoming community. Wauklehegan Lake is located within the village limits and boasts a fully serviced campground with a beach area, canoe and paddleboat rentals, showers, washrooms, and laundry facilities. McAdam is also just minutes away from the St. Croix River, making it a true gem for nature enthusiasts. The village is well-served with community restaurants and country stores.

McAdam's economy consists of a diverse range of employment sectors, including manufacturing, professional services, the public sector, and healthcare. The village's main employer is Certainteed Gypsum, which directly employs over 50 individuals. Other notable employers in the area include Soleno Maritimes Inc., a manufacturer of polyethylene stormwater pipes, and the McAdam Health Centre, which adjoins Wauklehegan Manor, a long-term care residence for seniors.

The village is known for its railway history and the McAdam Railway Station

The village of McAdam, located in the southwestern corner of York County, New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its rich railway history and the iconic McAdam Railway Station. The area's railway history can be traced back to the 1850s–1860s with the construction of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railway, which passed through what was then a small community called City Camp. City Camp was a collection of lumber camps that sprang up alongside the railway line.

During the late 1860s, the European and North American Railway project's "Western Extension" was built from Saint John to the boundary at Saint Croix, linking with another line from Bangor to Vanceboro. This junction at City Camp was renamed McAdam in 1883, and it soon became an important railway junction. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) recognised the potential of McAdam, and in 1889, they constructed the International Railway of Maine, solidifying their transcontinental ambitions.

The construction of the massive combined railway station/hotel in McAdam began in 1900, commissioned by the legendary CPR President Sir William Van Horne. The station, built in the Chateau style, resembles a Scottish castle and was constructed using local granite. It featured a 20-room hotel, a lunch counter, a formal dining room, passenger waiting rooms, ticketing and baggage storage areas, and even a jail cell operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service.

The McAdam Railway Station was a bustling hub for travellers and played a significant role during both World Wars, with many troop trains departing from the station towards Halifax for overseas deployment. The station was also known for its famous "railway pies," a tradition that has been revived in recent years. The decline of rail travel in the 1950s and the shift from steam to diesel locomotives led to a decrease in the station's importance, and eventually, the hotel closed in the early 1960s.

Today, the McAdam Railway Station stands as a National Historic Site and a Provincial Historic Site. It is operated and managed by the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission and is open to the public as an active museum offering tours, meals, and conference facilities. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the golden age of railroad history in the region. The village of McAdam proudly showcases its railway heritage, attracting tourists and visitors interested in exploring its unique charm and historic significance.

McAdam has a population of around 1,200-1,350 people and has seen recent growth

McAdam is a village located in the southwestern corner of York County, New Brunswick, Canada. Covering 14.28 square kilometres (5.51 sq mi), it had a population of 1,151 in 2016, according to the census. An independent study conducted in early 2018, however, showed that the population had grown to 1,225, marking the first time since 1956 that the community's population increased. The latest census data from 2021 puts the population at 1,173.

The first settlement of what is now McAdam began sometime between 1857 and 1869 after the establishment of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railway (SA&Q). The area was originally known as City Camp, a collective of lumbering encampments that sprang up along the line. By the late 1860s, the European and North American Railway's "Western Extension" was completed, joining the SA&Q line (then part of the New Brunswick Railway) in City Camp. This led to the area being renamed McAdam Junction, after John McAdam, a prominent lumberman and politician with numerous land grants in the area.

The village of McAdam was an important railway junction between the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway and branch lines to nearby towns. The town served as a significant stop for passenger, freight, and military trains during the World Wars. A large railway station and a roundhouse were built to accommodate travellers. The railway junction played a crucial role in the growth of the community, with the population rising to about 400 people by 1871, mostly railroad workers and their families.

In the late 1950s, the conversion of locomotives from steam to diesel, along with improvements in highways and trucking, led to a decline in McAdam's importance for rail transport. This resulted in decreased employment opportunities and significant economic challenges for the community. The population of McAdam peaked in 1956 at 2,803 people but began a steady decline thereafter as the rail industry collapsed.

Despite these challenges, McAdam has seen a recent reversal of its population decline due to community spirit and leadership. The village has attracted new residents by selling lots for $1 and expanding its local campground. Additionally, families seeking a small-town rural environment with the amenities of a city have been drawn to McAdam. This recent growth has contributed to a diverse economy, with well-rounded employment sectors including manufacturing, professional services, public sector jobs, and healthcare.

The village offers outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, and exploring nature

McAdam is a village located in the southwestern corner of York County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is a quaint and historic village, offering views of century-old homes and buildings, while also being just steps away from modern amenities and services. The village covers 14.28 square kilometres (5.51 sq mi) and has a population of around 1,200 to 1,350 people.

The village offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, and exploring nature. There are two main hiking trails in McAdam that offer both nature and history. The first is the City Camp Trail, which loops around the pond behind the village's historic railway station. This trail is just over three kilometres long and takes about 75 minutes to complete. It is well maintained and fairly easy, offering a flat route that meanders through steam valleys and past cattails, birds, and ducks. The other trail is the Boulder Trail, located a little west of the community at Spednic Lake Provincial Park. This trail is a bit more challenging, with a length of 3.5 kilometres and slightly more rugged terrain. However, it is still a relatively easy hike, taking only 90 minutes to complete. Along with the natural beauty, this trail also offers a glimpse into the history of the area, as it passes by an archaeological site that was once an ancient hunting ground.

In addition to hiking, McAdam also offers canoeing and kayaking at Wauklehegan Lake Campground. The village's website describes it as a "peaceful and picturesque setting, a quiet night's sleep, and lots of opportunity to enjoy real country activities". Campers at the campground also receive a free pass to tour the McAdam Railway Station, a National and Provincial Historic Site.

McAdam is also home to various other recreation facilities, including a walking trail, tennis and basketball courts, a weight room, baseball fields, and parks. The village's natural environment and outdoor activities have been cited as one of the main reasons for its recent population growth, as people are drawn to the pristine nature and small-town charm that McAdam offers.

McAdam has a variety of employment sectors, including manufacturing, professional services, and healthcare

McAdam, New Brunswick, is a village located in the southwestern corner of York County, Canada. Covering 14.28 square kilometres, it had a population of 1,151 as of 2016, which grew to 1,225 in 2018.

McAdam has a varied economy, with employment sectors including manufacturing, professional, public sector and healthcare. The village's main employer is Certainteed Gypsum, which manufactures wallboard with a workforce of over 75 people. The company supplies wallboard to all regions of North America.

Soleno Maritimes Inc. is another manufacturing business in McAdam, employing 25 people to produce high-density polyethylene resin pipes for storm drains. The pipes are shipped throughout Atlantic Canada.

The McAdam Health Centre, adjoined to Wauklehegan Manor, employs approximately 54 people. The Health Centre has a primary healthcare team, including a Nurse Practitioner and a physician, with nursing services available Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm.

McAdam also offers a range of professional services, including a pharmacy, Canada Post, and a local government office. The village has a strong community spirit, with various clubs and activities for all ages, such as grade school sports, senior clubs, and a Lion's Club.

With its varied employment sectors, welcoming community, and balance between rural and urban life, McAdam offers a unique and attractive lifestyle for individuals and families.

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