FREDERICTON - CANADA |
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Fredericton, population 47,560 (greater Fredericton 81,346, both per 2001
census), is the capital of the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The city
is situated on the St. John River in the west-central portion of the
province. The Fredericton area was first
called Ste. Anne's Point after it was permanently settled in 1732 by
Acadians fleeing Nova Scotia after the British took over the territory. The
British captured Ste. Anne's Point after the expulsion of the Acadians in
1755, burning the city to the ground.
In 1783, United Empire Loyalists settled in Ste. Anne's Point after the
American Revolution, although many died on the long, arduous journey from
the United States. When New Brunswick became a province in 1784, Ste. Anne's
Point became the provincial capital, winning out over present-day Saint John
due to its central inland location. A street plan was laid out to the west
of the original townsite, King's College (now the University of New
Brunswick) was founded, and the locale was renamed "Frederick's Town", in
honour of the second son of King George III of the United Kingdom, Prince
Frederick Augustus, Duke of York. |
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The name was shortened to Fredericton
shortly after the city became the official provincial capital of New
Brunswick on April 25, 1785. A building was constructed to house the
provincial legislative assembly in 1788, but it was destroyed in 1880. Two
years later, the present Legislature Building was constructed. In 1973, the
city annexed several bedroom communities, such as Nashwaaksis, Marysville,
Barker's Point and Silverwood.
The same attributes that made Fredericton the capital city also made it an
ideal spot for a military installation. Many of the original military
buildings downtown still stand, and are now tourist attractions.
In 1848, Fredericton achieved city status after building the Anglican Christ
Church Cathedral.
Today, Fredericton is known for its few elm stands, numerous public spaces,
and the scenery of the Saint John River valley. The city is served by two
universities, the University of New Brunswick and Saint Thomas University.
There is a relatively large arts community, headlined by the Playhouse (home
base of Theatre New Brunswick, the province's largest stage troupe) and the
Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Fredericton has an active live music scene with
pubs and other venues offering a wide variety of live music from both local
and non-local talent. It is home to the annual Harvest Jazz & Blues
Festival. There are no major industries in the city, as the provincial
government and the universities are by far the largest employers. The St.
Mary's First Nation, located on the north side, is the only First Nation in
Canada located in a city.
As the provincial capital, Fredericton is home to the New Brunswick Sports
Hall of Fame.
The current mayor is Brad Woodside, who first served from 1986 to 1999 but
was re-elected in 2004. |
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