|
 Hartland, the smallest town in New Brunswick, with a population of about 902, has a varied and interesting history. It was known as “Mouth of the ’Guimac” until it was officially changed to “Hartland” about 1870. Some say it was named in honor of Rev. Samuel Hart, an early Baptist minister; others say it is in honor of James Hartley, an early surveyor; while others say it was named because it was “the heart of the county.”
Its early settlers were loyalist with William Orser and his six children being the first settlers. William’s first wife died and he married Mary Blake Craig, who also had six children. To complete the story William and Mary had six more children. Mary Blake Craig Orser is called the “Mother of Hartland.”
The river has always been important in Hartland’s history. As early as 1813 Troops were moved from the Maritimes to Upper Canada on the river, especially when is was frozen.
Steamships plied the river waters in the mid-1800s, but only during high water.
In 1997 Hartland was the National winner of “Communities in Bloom” a contest for communities with a population under 1500. In 1998 Hartland won “The Canadian Living Award for the Best Community Spirit.”
|
