Get to know Derby through two distinct aspects: the river landscape at the confluence of the Northwest and Southwest Miramichi Rivers, and the history of Wilson’s Point. At Enclosure Park, a wooded, triangular area meets significant historic sites. This means you can consider both nature and cultural history when choosing your destination.
Woodland and River Landscapes
Enclosure Park covers more than 49 hectares and is located at the confluence of the two rivers. Its size and wooded character give the area a distinct landscape. At the same time, the park is closely connected to the history of Wilson’s Point: the provincial historic site is part of Enclosure Park. The park itself was designated a provincial historic site in 1990; Wilson’s Point is a protected provincial historic site in Derby, also at the confluence.
If you like to experience landscapes and history together when you travel, Derby offers specific points of interest for both, without conflating the two. The park is known for its wooded grounds and river landscape; Wilson’s Point brings together several historic sites. Trails at the Wilson’s Point Historic Site offer an additional way to explore the area on foot.
Wilson’s Point Through Different Eras
The area’s history can be traced through several dates. From 1756 to 1759, Camp d’Espérance was located at Wilson’s Point, serving as a refuge for Acadian refugees. In 1765, William Davidson and John Cort petitioned the British Crown for a grant of 100,000 acres of land. This petition led to Wilson’s Point becoming a centre for trade, fishing, timber harvesting, and shipbuilding. In 1791, Saint James Presbyterian Church stood there, the first Protestant church on the Miramichi.
These milestones reflect the area’s different roles: refuge, economic centre, and site of a church. An interpretation centre at Wilson’s Point is housed in a replica of the 1790 church. The years 1790 and 1791 refer to different details: the replica of the church building and the site of Saint James Presbyterian Church. Together, they offer a way to explore local history that does not focus on just one era.
Trails, Wharf, and Historic Objects
The on-site activities offer different options: the trails make for a walking-focused visit, while the wharf at Wilson’s Point is open to the public and free to use, and is suitable for striped bass fishing. Davidson’s Trading Post at Wilson’s Point houses agricultural and timber-harvesting equipment. These objects related to farming and forestry add to the area’s history of trade and timber harvesting.
Derby makes a destination for visitors with different interests, and you do not have to choose just one aspect. Those most interested in the river landscape can experience it at Enclosure Park. Those interested in history can place Camp d’Espérance, the development of Wilson’s Point, and the church in their historical context. The wharf, trails, trading post, and interpretation centre each offer a different focus.
Northumberland County: More to Explore
Northumberland County also offers its own regional points of interest. Nelson Hollow Bridge is considered the oldest covered bridge in New Brunswick and is the only covered bridge still standing in Northumberland County. MacDonald Farm in Bartibog was built between 1815 and 1820 and designated a protected historic property in 1977. Architectural history is also represented by Doak House in Doaktown, a protected Classical-style house built by Robert Doak around 1820.
Other historic themes in Northumberland County include Mi’kmaq history and spirituality. Augustine Mound in Red Bank is a historic ceremonial site associated with the culture and spirituality of the early Mi’kmaq. Oxbow Site in Red Bank was an old fishing village and the home of the ancestors of the Miramichi Mi’kmaq for thousands of years. Those interested in nature can also explore the Trans-Canada Trail: it runs through and around Doaktown and is intended for hikers, ATV riders, and snowmobilers. These regional examples complement Derby’s local focus with additional, distinct perspectives.
Discover more destinations: Beaver Brook, Neguac, Blackville, Chelmsford, Miramichi.
Return to the main travel overview: Northumberland County.
