Woodstock, New Brunswick: Location And History

Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, is a town in Carleton County, located on the Saint John River. It is known for its rich history and heritage, boasting some of the finest 19th-century homes, churches, and civic buildings in the Maritimes. The town offers a variety of attractions, including the Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve, and the Old Carleton County Court House. With a population of over 5,000 people, Woodstock serves as a service centre for the potato industry and nearby communities for shopping, employment, and entertainment.

Carleton County

The county's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture and lumbering, with potato farming being a major industry. The town of Hartland, located within the county, is known for having the longest covered bridge in the world.

The county seat is Woodstock, which is also its largest community. Woodstock is located on the Saint John River and serves as a transportation hub and a service centre for the potato industry. The town has a population of around 5,500 people and is known for its annual Old Home Week activities, including parades, fireworks, and various cultural events.

In addition to Woodstock, there are several other incorporated municipalities within Carleton County, including Florenceville-Bristol and Centreville. The county is further subdivided into eleven parishes and numerous unincorporated communities.

Saint John River

Woodstock, New Brunswick, is a town in Carleton County, Canada, situated on the Saint John River. The Saint John River is a 673-kilometre-long (418-mile) river that flows within the Dawnland region, originating in the Notre Dame Mountains near the Maine-Quebec border and traversing through western New Brunswick before emptying into the northwest shore of the Bay of Fundy. As Eastern Canada's longest river, its drainage basin spans approximately 55,000 square kilometres (21,000 square miles), making it one of the largest on the east coast.

The river holds cultural and historical significance for the indigenous communities of the region. Prior to European colonisation, the river basin was inhabited by the Wolastoqiyik and Passamaquoddy First Nations, who referred to the river as the "River of the Good Wave" or "Wolastoq". The river continues to be a cultural centre for the Wabanaki Confederacy.

The Saint John River played a crucial role in the early trade and transportation of the region. Before the advent of railways, the river served as a vital trade route, facilitating the export of timber and other goods. The river's calm waters, with the exception of waterfalls at Grand Falls and Beechwood Dam, made it navigable for steamboats and other watercraft. The river's tributaries, such as the Meduxnekeag River, also contributed to the region's trade and economic activities.

Today, the Saint John River remains an important natural landmark and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The St. John River Valley Trail, stretching from Woodstock to Edmundston, offers a multi-use trail built on an abandoned Canadian Pacific rail line. This trail caters to a variety of users, from hikers and cyclists to snowmobilers and horseback riders. The river's gentle banks and picturesque landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts exploring rural New Brunswick.

The river is regulated by hydropower dams at Mactaquac, Beechwood, and Grand Falls, which have contributed to a decline in migrating Atlantic salmon populations. Efforts have been made to revive salmon migration through the construction of fish ladders and other conservation measures.

Transportation hub

Woodstock, New Brunswick, is a transportation hub, owing to its location on the Saint John River, 103 km (65 miles) upriver from Fredericton, at the mouth of the Meduxnekeag River. It is situated near the Canada–United States border, close to Houlton, Maine, and the intersection of Interstate 95 and the Trans-Canada Highway. This strategic location has made Woodstock a significant transportation gateway.

Woodstock's history as a transportation hub can be traced back to the 19th century when steamboats started navigating the Saint John River. In 1837, the first steamboat from Fredericton reached Woodstock, and by 1845, a regular steamboat service was established. This development facilitated the transport of people and goods, contributing to the town's emergence as a transportation centre.

The town's position on the Trans-Canada Highway, a significant transportation artery, further enhances its role as a hub. The Trans-Canada Highway is a comprehensive network of roads spanning Canada, and Woodstock lies on a crucial segment of this highway. Additionally, New Brunswick Route 95 extends westward from Woodstock, crossing the international border and continuing into the United States as Interstate 95. This direct connection to the U.S. highway system reinforces Woodstock's status as a transportation gateway between the two countries.

Woodstock also boasts a small public airport, the Woodstock Airport, located in nearby Grafton, New Brunswick. This airport provides additional transportation options for the region, connecting it to other parts of the province and beyond.

Furthermore, Woodstock's proximity to major population centres and its function as a service centre for the potato industry and neighbouring communities contribute to its importance as a transportation hub. It offers shopping, employment, and entertainment opportunities for over 26,000 people in the surrounding areas, including Hartland, Florenceville-Bristol, Centreville, Bath, and Lakeland Ridges.

Historical buildings

Woodstock, New Brunswick, is a town steeped in history, with a range of well-preserved historical buildings. The town boasts some of the finest 19th-century homes, churches, and civic buildings in the Maritimes.

The Old Carleton County Court House, built in 1833, is one of the town's most notable historical structures. It served as the courthouse until a new one was constructed, after which it was used as a horse barn from 1911 to 1960. The building was then purchased by the Carleton County Historical Society and is known for hosting the trials of George Gee and Minnie Bell Sharp, who ran the Woodstock School of Music in the early 1900s.

Another architectural gem is the George Frederick Clarke House, constructed in 1905. This building is a rare example of residential Regency architecture and is recognised as a provincial historic site.

Woodstock also features a number of impressive 19th-century Victorian homes. The Judge Jones House, located on Chapel Street, was built between 1856 and 1857 and stands as a testament to the architectural style of the era. Maudie's Tea Room, originally known as the "Sunset Porch", was built in 1921 and hosted Rt. Hon. MacKenzie King for dinner in 1932. The Tupper House on Connell Street, dating back to the late 1830s, once served as a stagecoach stop and an inn.

The town's rich history is further reflected in the Newnham & Slipp Pharmacy, founded by William T. Baird in 1839, and the College School, constructed around 1869 by a Presbyterian minister to facilitate a Scots immigrant settlement.

Local attractions

Woodstock, New Brunswick, is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. Located on the banks of the Meduxnekeag and St. John Rivers, it was the first incorporated town in New Brunswick, and its heritage is evident in the stunning 19th-century architecture throughout. Here are some attractions to explore during your visit:

Woodstock's Heritage Walking Tour

Stroll through the town to admire the Victorian-era homes, churches, and civic buildings. The walking tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the town's rich history and appreciate the fine architecture of the Maritime province.

Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve

For nature enthusiasts, this nature preserve offers excellent woodland hiking trails. Well-maintained and family-friendly, these trails showcase a variety of scenery and wildlife. In the winter, they transform into fantastic snowshoe routes.

Woodstock Farm & Craft Market

This market has been a staple of the community for over 45 years. Here, you can find a plethora of local produce, from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to maple products and meat. It's also a great place to discover unique crafts and artwork by local artisans, including hand-crafted jewellery, knits, and wood crafts.

Creek Village Gallery & Cafe

This charming gallery and cafe showcases the talent of local artists and supports the community by serving locally sourced food. Enjoy a hot meal while admiring the artwork that adorns the walls, and don't forget to appreciate the view of the river beyond the parking lot.

Connell House

Built for the Honourable Charles Connell in 1839, Connell House is a National Historic Site and the home of the Carleton County Historical Society. It is often used for exhibits, weddings, and meetings, offering a glimpse into the area's history.

In addition to these attractions, Woodstock offers a range of outdoor activities, such as biking, boating, and golfing. The town also boasts shops, boutiques, and restaurants, as well as a waterfront boardwalk for a leisurely stroll.

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