The history of Bagosse in Saint Hilaire is more than a historical footnote: its production during Prohibition connects local history with the annual Festival de la Bagosse. The parish community, the origin of the town’s name, and neighborhood trails also tell different stories about the area. When planning a trip, you can therefore distinguish between cultural history, a specific festival connection, and outdoor activities.
Bagosse, Prohibition, and the Festival
During Prohibition, local residents in Saint Hilaire made homemade alcohol called “bagosse”; the drink was also produced at the Complexe Maxime Albert. During the same era, Saint Hilaire was one of the region’s major alcohol-smuggling locations. The story of the strong liqueur “Hand Brand” also dates to this period: it came from the French islands of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and was transported through Saint Hilaire. The local production of Bagosse and the transport of this liqueur are thus distinct historical aspects.
The Taverne Ă Maxime Albert can be visited and also serves as the venue for the Festival de la Bagosse de Saint-Hilaire. The festival takes place annually at the Complexe Maxime-Albert in Saint-Hilaire; dates may vary. As part of related events, visitors can sample Bagosse there and see how the drink was made during Prohibition. Programs and availability may change; check the current offerings and festival dates before visiting.
Church History and Art
The Saint Hilaire parish was established in 1869 and is one of the oldest parishes in the “Acadia of the Land and Forests” region. The area is named after Hilaire Cyr, who donated the land for the construction of the first Catholic church. Today, the rectory next to the church houses an art gallery. The area’s history thus spans its founding and naming to a present-day cultural use of the neighboring building.
Trails and Regional Exploration
The Saint Hilaire neighborhood has a cycling and hiking trail, as well as ATV trails maintained by the Club V.T.T. du Haut-Madawaska. They offer different activities: cycling and hiking on one trail, and ATV riding on the trails maintained by the club. The Border Route (Route des frontières) offers a different scale for planning. It can be used to explore Saint Hilaire and the Community of Haut-Madawaska along the St. John River. This is a useful distinction when planning your day: the trails mentioned are in the neighborhood, while the route takes in the area and the community along the river.
More History in the Broader Destination of Madawaska County
Within the broader destination of Madawaska County, Saint-François offers another perspective on regional heritage. The Forge Jos B. Michaud was built there in 1894 and operated for at least 100 years before passing to the blacksmith’s son. At the Musée de la Forge Jos B. Michaud, tools and the story of former owner Joseph B. Michaud offer insights into the blacksmithing trade. At Ledges… Place des Pionniers, a trail winds between historic buildings dedicated to the pioneers of the Saint-François District.
Discover more destinations: Saint-André, Edmundston, Rivière-Verte, Lac Baker.
Return to the broader travel overview: Madawaska County.
