Rexton

Rexton, NB, incorporated as a village in 1966, population 818 (2011c), 862 (2006c). The Village of Rexton is located in southeastern New Brunswick, at the mouth of the Richibucto River. At the close of the American Revolution, several LOYALIST refugees received land grants here, in an area where Acadian families were already located. From 1790 the Richibucto River attained new importance with the establishment of milling operations supplied by the abundant white pine along its bank.

By the 1820s a substantial SHIPBUILDING business had evolved under the leadership of John Jardine. In 1842 the shipbuilding partnership of Holderness and Chalton founded Rexton, then called Kingston, after its namesake in England.

Today, its principal economic activities remain a blend of farming and fishing for the local population. Rexton is the birthplace of Andrew Bonar LAW, who became prime minister of Great Britain. His father's farm on the banks of the Richibucto is now a historic attraction.