Saint John 1783 — Uncover the Loyalist Conspiracy

Your journey begins at the Loyalist House, built in 1810 for the Bedell and Christopher families, descendants of the 1783 Loyalists. Located at the corner of Union and Germain streets, this residence illustrates the integration of Parr-Town's rocky topography into Saint John's nascent urban planning. It stands proudly, adjacent to the Queen Ann flag sculpture, bearing witness to the Loyalists' establishment and their perseverance in building a new life in New Brunswick after the upheavals of the American Revolution.

Continue to Market Slip, the emblematic site of the first Loyalist landing on May 18, 1783. Once a water slip extending to the bronze moose on the Market Square Boardwalk, this spot is designated a Loyalist Rock of national historic significance. Warehouses once lined its sides to unload ships, and the area was rebuilt from Upper Cove, as revealed in a 1788 drawing. It is here, on the shores of Saint John, that the history of Canada’s first incorporated city truly began, marking a starting point for thousands of refugees.

Your exploration will then lead you to Trinity Anglican Church, a building whose heraldic crest was saved from Boston's old council chamber by Colonel Edward Winslow after the American Revolution. This crest was again saved from the Great Fire of 1877, symbolizing the resilience of Saint John's Loyalists. The church, open to visitors on weekdays, offers a glimpse into the religious heritage and allegiance to the British Crown that characterized these early New Brunswick settlers.

At King’s Square, you will discover the site of the County Court, a key element of the 1783 Loyalist urban plan. Built in 1825 according to the plans of local architect John Cunningham, this building is famous for its spiral stone staircase rising three stories without central support. Its fluted pilasters and pediment evoke a Greek temple, reflecting the architectural aspirations of the era. The city plan, laid out by Paul Bedell, incorporated this military grid despite the rocky topography, demonstrating bold urban vision for Saint John. This courthouse served until late 2012, replaced by the Saint John Law Courts in 2013.

Finally, your journey concludes at the Old Public Burial Ground, also known as Loyalist Burial Ground, reserved as a public cemetery in the original city plan by Paul Bedell in 1783. The oldest tombstone, dated 1784, belongs to Conradt Hendricks and is located on the southwest side. Closed to burials by provincial legislative act in April 1848, this site houses the original Loyalist settlers and offers tangible testimony to the perseverance and legacy of these founders. You take with you the living history of Saint John, a city shaped by the determination of the Loyalists and their contribution to New Brunswick's heritage.