VICKERS: Bay du Vin’s story of history and community

‘Even small communities can leave a lasting impact,’ History at a Glance columnist writes

A church in Bay du Vin, circa 1903. (NB ARCHIVES PHOTO P36-30)

Located on the south shore of Miramichi Bay, Bay du Vin is a small but historically significant community.

Its name, "Bay du Vin," translates to "Bay of Wine," though its exact origin remains unclear. Some say it refers to the reddish tint of the water at sunset, while others argue it could be a poetic misinterpretation of "Baie de Vents," meaning "Bay of Winds." Regardless of its roots, the name connects the village to its early French heritage and the start of its story.

Bay du Vin’s history begins in 1672 when French settlers from St. Malo, France, established one of the earliest European communities in New Brunswick. This settlement, east of Gardiners Point, included about 15 buildings and a chapel, making it a vital part of the region’s early development. Tragically, this thriving village was destroyed during the Gulf of St. Lawrence Campaign in 1758, a devastating chapter in the expulsion of the Acadians. The area was abandoned, leaving a somber reminder of the challenges faced by its early inhabitants.

Years later, new settlers arrived to rebuild the community. Primarily Irish and English immigrants, these families brought fresh energy and determination. Among them was Luther Williston, a lumberman and descendant of Loyalists, who built a colonial stone house that still stands today. His home symbolizes the prosperity and influence of his family during the 19th century, a time when Bay du Vin's economy revolved around the sea and the forests.

Throughout the 1800s, the sea was central to life in Bay du Vin. The village’s location on Miramichi Bay, combined with the dense forests that surrounded it, made it an ideal hub for shipbuilding. Local shipyards launched vessels that traveled the Atlantic, tying Bay du Vin to global trade and maritime activity. This period of prosperity left a mark on the village, but by the late 1800s, the shipbuilding industry began to decline. As demand for new ships dropped, Bay du Vin had to find other ways to sustain itself.