Glimpses of the Past: History of the River St. John, A.D. 1604-1784

An intimate portrait of the Saint John River basin unfolds across this meticulously compiled survey of its first two centuries. Drawing on newspaper series, archival documents, and first‑hand observations, the author weaves a factual narrative that stretches from the river’s discovery in 1604 to the eve of the Loyalist influx. The prose is modest, letting original quotations and detailed maps carry the story, while occasional reflections reveal a lifelong affection for the waters that shaped the region.

The opening chapters turn the reader’s eye to the Maliseet peoples, whose seasonal wanderings, hunting grounds, and vibrant oral traditions painted the river’s banks with life long before any European boots touched the soil. Vivid descriptions of pine‑scented glades, mist‑shrouded islands, and the rhythmic pulse of the water convey the landscape that the indigenous communities called home. Early encounters with explorers such as Champlain are recounted through contemporary journals, offering a glimpse of how two worlds first brushed against one another.