What Is the Capital of New Brunswick?
Fredericton is the capital of the province New Brunswick in Canada. The city is located on the banks of the St. John River. In fact, the river bisects the city and provides several recreational areas and parks around it. There is a famous bridge called “The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge” near downtown Fredericton. Until 1785, the city was named “Ste. Anne’s Point". The Governor Thomas Carleton changed the city’s name to “Fredericstown” after Prince Frederick, Duke of York. However, the name was changed again to Fredericton soon after.
19th Century Architecture
Fredericton has a rich history and heritage. The riverfront city hall was built during 1875 and 1876 by H. B. Crosby and O. M. Campbell. The building was architected by McKean and Fairweather, and it is an excellent example of the Second Empire style, prevalent during the 19th century. The city has many green spaces, museums, cafes, and a very active cultural scene. The city has a campus which is the third oldest university in Canada, the University of New Brunswick. The university’s Forestry and Geology building houses “Quartermain Earth Science Centre”. The science center offers exhibits and programs related to the field of geology. Also located on the university campus is the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick (PANB), which collects, preserves, and makes records related to the history of New Brunswick available. There is a gallery called Beaverbrook Art Gallery located downtown. The gallery’s collection features both rising and renowned artists. Charlotte Street Arts Centre is another prominent cultural venue and it houses artists from a variety of disciplines.
Like the city hall, the Legislative Assembly Building also dons the 19th century style. The building is home to artist Joshua Reynolds’ portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte. In the library, one can find a complete set of copper plate engravings from the "Birds of America" by the American artist John James Audubon.
Military History
The city is famous for its Garrison district because between 1784 and 1869 a British garrison was stationed here. Many buildings in the district date back to this period. The district is now a hub for festivals, a Changing of the Guard ceremony, outdoor theatre, museums, New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. The city has a Victorian era prison which was built in 1842 and is now used as a Science Center. The NB Military History Museum is 25 km away from Fredericton. The museum showcases history of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Royal Canadian Navy with an emphasis on New Brunswick.
Cultural Heritage
The Christ Church Cathedral is another famous landmark in the city. The building is considered a fine example of ecclesial gothic revival architecture in Canada. The building is result of the vision of Bishop John Medley and is now a National Historic Site. In July 1911, the cathedral was struck by lightning and the resulting fire completely destroyed the spire, bells, and most of the furniture. Fredericton has another Gothic Revival architecture based structure, the St. Anne's Chapel of Ease. This chapel has not been modified since the day it was consecrated in 1847.
