History

Bathurst (2006 population 12,714; UA 18,154; CA population 31,424) is a Canadian city in Gloucester County, New Brunswick.

Bathurst is situated on Bathurst Harbour, an estuary at the mouth of the Nepisiguit River at the southernmost part of Chaleur Bay.

Early settlers from France came to the area in the 17th century in what became part of the colony of Acadia. Following the fall of this part of Acadia to British control in the Seven Years' War, the region saw the arrival of numerous English and Scottish settlers, particularly during the latter 18th century through to the 20th century. The community was named by the Governor, Sir Howard Douglas (1823-1831), in honor of Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst (1762-1834), Secretary of State for the Colonies of the British government.

The opening of the Intercolonial Railway of Canada in 1876 provided a fast connection from the port of Bathurst to the rest of North America which was essential for developing the region's principal industries in forestry and zinc mining. Bathurst Airport accommodates general aviation, along with service to Montreal, Quebec via Air Canada.

In 1881, the Roman Catholic Church constructed the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral