'Bathurst' (
2006 population 12,714;
UA 18,154;
CA population 31,424) is a
Canadian city in
Gloucester County,
New Brunswick.
Bathurst is situated on Bathurst Harbour, an
estuary at the mouth of the
Nepisiguit River at the southernmost part of
Chaleur Bay.
Early settlers from
France came to the area in the 17th century in what became part of the colony of
Acadia. Following the fall of this part of Acadia to British control in the
Seven Years' War, the region saw numerous English and Scottish settlers, particularly during the latter
18th century through the
20th century. The community was named by the
Governor, Sir
Howard Douglas (1823-1831), in honor of
Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst (1762-1834), Secretary of State for the Colonies of the
British government.
The opening of the
Intercolonial Railway of Canada in 1876 provided a fast connection from the port of Bathurst to the rest of North America which was essential for developing the region's principal industries in forestry and zinc mining.
In 1881, the
Roman Catholic Church constructed the
Sacré-Coeur Cathedral.
In 1998, the
Laval Titan QMJHL franchise relocated to Bathurst, taking the name
Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Bathurst is the smallest market in the
Canadian Hockey League.
Notable personalities born in Bathurst
★
David Branch (1948-), commissioner of the
Canadian Hockey League
★
Charlie Chamberlain (1911-1972), Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame musician, singer
★
Sir James Dunn (1874-1956), banker, art collector, industrialist, philanthropist
★
George Eddy, businessman, founder of George Eddy Company, philanthropist
★
Joe De Grasse (1873-1940), pioneer Hollywood film director
★
Sam De Grasse (1875-1953), pioneer Hollywood actor
★
Lyse Doucet (1958-), BBC Journalist
★
Paul Venoit, Make-Up Artist and television personality
★
Natasha St-Pier, singer
★
Mitch Cormier,
CBC journalist
[1]
The legend
Chaleur Bay is known for its phantom ship legend, dating over the past 2 centuries. The story (and witnesses) claim that a sailing ship burned in the waters north of the city, possibly from the
Battle of the Restigouche, and is visible in certain weather and light conditions. A drawing of a burning ship can be seen on the city's welcome sign.
See also
★
Acadie-Bathurst, a federal electoral district.
References
1. Mitch Cormier - Island Morning
External links
★
The NB Lighthouses Website
★
City of Bathurst Website
★
New Brunswick Covered Bridges
★
Bathurst Homepage and Search
★
Lengend of the Phantom Ship
★
Map of Bathurst
★
For Sale: One Heritage Post Office