Touring Acadian Madawaska

NE Maine, NW New Brunswick & SE Québec
Congrés Mondial - 8-24 August, 2014

by Martin Guidry

Attending the Congrès Mondial often awakens our ancestral genes and begs us to explore the lives and lifestyles of our Acadian ancestors. The Madawaska region of Maine, New Brunswick and Québec has many historic churches and cemeteries, superb museums, original homes and an excellent Acadian Archives at Fort Kent, ME. Below are a selection of these for each region. They are arranged in a driving tour format so that you can follow the main road and go in order from one village to another. The focus of each site is Acadian history and lifestyle - generally for that specific area. Visit a few of the sites while attending the various activities of the Congrès Mondial, learn about the Acadian pioneers that settled this region and meet their descendants today. You'll be surprised at how similar their language, customs and even foods are to yours.

MAINE

Van Buren (Aroostook County)

Acadian Village

Has 17 historic Acadian buildings displaying artifacts of the Acadians from the Madawaska region.

Location: Approx. 5 miles NW of Van Buren on U. S. Highway 1 (Main St.)
Open: 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm daily
Admission Fees: Adults ($6.00); Children ($3.00)
http://www.connectmaine.com/acadianvillage/

Fortunat O. Michaud House (Farrell-Michaud House)

Built ca. 1880 and 1912-1917. Has a tower with bell-shaped roof. Is a bed and breakfast inn presently.

Location: 231 Main Street; Van Buren, ME
Open: View from street

Governor Brann School

A one-room schoolhouse built in 1934 on Cyr Plantation. Restored to original condition. Closed in 1950s.

Location: One mile south of Van Buren on U. S. Highway 1
Open: Varies
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM7TRQ_Governor_Brann_School_Cyr_Plantation_ME

Lille (Aroostook County)

Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel Catholic Church & Acadian Cemetery

Built in 1909, the church is now a museum and cultural center dedicated to preserving the Acadian and Québecois culture in the St. John Valley. Its collections include religious and Acadian artifacts, textiles, furniture, photos and documents.

Location: 993 U. S. Highway 1 (Main Street); Lille, ME (12 miles north of Van Buren, ME)
Open: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday
Admission Fee: Donation

Madawaska (Aroostook County)

Acadian Landing Site

Commemorates landing of first Acadian settlers in Upper Saint John Valley; Contains Acadian Cross Historic Shrine

Location: 393 East Main Street; Madawaska, ME
Open: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/acadlanding.htm?eid=165304&root_aId=335

Tante Blanche Museum

Dedicated to Marguerite-Blanche Thibodeau dite Tante Blanche, who during the extremely harsh winter of 1796-1797, saved many local Acadians by providing food and inspiration to them. She was interred inside the Catholic Church at St-Basile in New Brunswick - a great honor.

Location: 393 East Main Street; Madawaska, ME
Open: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/acadlanding.htm?eid=165304&root_aId=335

Fred Albert House

Constructed in mid-1800s, the Fred Albert House has many features indicative of Maine Acadian construction.

Location: 393 East Main Street; Madawaska, ME
Open: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/acadlanding.htm?eid=165304&root_aId=335

One-Room Schoolhouse

This 1870 Madawaska School District No. 1 schoolhouse was a simple structure and the first to be built with an enclosed entrance (a "tambour"). Contains schoolhouse artifacts typical of the period that it was used.

Location: 393 East Main Street; Madawaska, ME
Open: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/acadlanding.htm?eid=165304&root_aId=335

St. David Catholic Church and Cemetery

Built in 1911 and replaces earlier church built at this location in 1871. Has services in French. Historic Acadian cemetery is across U. S. Highway 1 from the church.

Location: 774 Main Street; Madawaska, ME
Open: Daily

Isaie and Scholastic Martin Acadian Homestead

Built 1823-1860 this is the oldest active Acadian home in the St. John region. The log 'piece sur piece' structure has a unique root cellar, pegged roof beams and superb craftsmanship. Since its construction over 150 years ago, it has been a private home of the Martin family and continues as such today.

Location: 137 St. Catherine's Street; Madawaska, ME
Open: Private home; By Appointment Only (Can be viewed from roadway) [207-728-6412]
During Congrès Mondial open for tours on August 11, 13, 15, 19, 21 of 2014
http://www.greatermadawaskachamber.com/becomemember/members?pid=5&sid=210:Martin-Acadian-Homestead
https://sites.google.com/site/martinacadianhomestead/

Frenchville (Aroostook County)

Frenchville Caboose and Water Tower

The Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Caboose was built in 1943 by the Pullman Company as a troop sleeper car. It was retrofitted in 1949 as a caboose. Today the caboose contains books and antiques on display. Built in 1910, the green water tower built of redwood was used by steam-powered trains to replenish their water supply. It is one of the few surviving train water tanks in the U.S. Also on the site is a privately-owned train station that operated from 1921 through 1970.

Location: U. S. Highway 1; Frenchville, ME
Open: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/watertank.htm
http://www.frenchville.org/history/society.html

Wylie House

Built in the early 1900s by George Bouchard, the three-story, historic Wylie House was a stopping point for rumrunners in the 1920s and 1930s. Today it is a museum furnished to represent the lifestyle of the 1940s and 1950s with both donated and original furniture.

Location: On U. S. Highway 1 across from Water Tower; Frenchville, ME
Open: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
http://fiddleheadfocus.com/content/frenchville-historic-society-preserves-wylie-house-now-open-public

Ste. Luce Catholic Church and Cemetery

This third church, built in 1907-1908, replaces two earlier churches that burned. The first Ste. Luce Catholic Church was built in 1843-1844 and it spawned many other churches both in Maine and New Brunswick. A wooden building, its faux finish makes it appear to be constructed of stone. The Acadian cemetery is located behind the church, which closed in 2006. An historical marker for the church is at 44 Main Street (U. S. Highway 1) in Frenchville.

Location: On U. S. Highway 1; Upper Frenchville, ME
Open: Unknown
http://www.royandboucher.com/maine/cemeteries/ste_luce/church.php

St. Agatha (Aroostook County)

Pelletier-Marquis House and Cemetery

Built in 1854 by André Pelletier, the home now serves as a historical museum (Ste-Agathe Historical Museum) paying tribute to the history, tradition and culture of the area. It houses religious and agricultural relics as well as clothing and everyday items. The exhibits are designed to represent an older working class home. The home is humble in appearance with a rock foundation, low ceilings, wide floor boards and square-headed nails. A cemetery is on the property.

Location: Highway 162 (Main St.) east of Cleveland Road; St. Agatha, ME
Open: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Tuesday - Sunday
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/stagatha.htm

Fort Kent (Aroostook County)

Fort Kent State Historic Site

This original blockhouse is the only fortification remaining from the "Bloodless" Aroostook War of 1838-1839 and the border dispute between Great Britain and the United States. An excellent example of early nineteenth century military architecture, the blockhouse today houses a museum.

Location: U. S. Highway 1 (W. Main St.) in Fort Kent, ME immediately west of Hall Street
Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Admission Fee: Adults ($3.00), Children 5-11 and Seniors 65+ ($1.00)
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/blockhouse.htm

Fort Kent Railroad Station

Opened in 1902, the Fort Kent Railroad Station was the northern terminus of the Fish River Railroad and later used by the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad. Today it contains a museum focusing on the history of the railroad. The Fort Kent Historical Society Gardens are on the grounds of the Station and contain Herbal, Medicinal, Culinary, Drying and Cottage Gardens.

Location: 3 Market Street (Caribou Road; Highway 161); Fort Kent, ME
Open: Tuesday - Friday, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm
Admission Fee: Unknown
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/rrstation.htm

Acadian Archives at University of Maine at Fort Kent

A genealogical, cultural and historical collection on the Acadians of the Upper St. John region. Open to the public. Has excellent Acadian exhibits for viewing.

Location: 23 University Drive on University of Main at Fort Kent (Adj. to Blake Library)
Open: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
Admission Fee: Free
http://www.umfk.edu/archives/

St. Francis (Aroostook County)

Bangor Aroostook Railroad Turntable

Built in 1904 when St. Francis was the end of the line for the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad, the turntable allowed locomotives to turnaround for the return trip.

Location: 1074 Main Street; St. Francis, ME
Open: No regular hours; Call for Appointment [207-389-3495]
http://www.nps.gov/maac/planyourvisit/turntable.htm

Allagash (Aroostook County)

Allagash Historical Society Museum

The museum depicts lumbering of the Allagash area as well as having a military section, historical artifacts, photos and genealogical records.

Location: 456 Dickey Road; Allagash, ME
Open: 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm, Tuesday - Saturday
Admission Fee: No Charge; Donations Accepted
http://www.aroostook.me.us/allagash/historical.html
http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/history/allagash/history.shtml

Une Petite Lagniappe (A Little Something Extra)

NEW BRUNSWICK

Grand Falls

Grand Falls Museum

Displays provide the history of the town of Grand Falls and its rich past. If you are a horse-racing fan, you'll enjoy the memorabilia of Ron Turcotte, the jockey on Secretariat when he won the Triple Crown.

Location: 68 Madawaska Road; Grand Falls, NB
Open: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/G/Grand-Falls-Museum.aspx

Saint-Léonard

Georges-Lapointe Historical Museum

The museum contains photographs, tools, furniture and artifacts belonging to residents of the Grande-Rivière region of Madawaska County. Some of the artifacts are over 100 years old.

Location: 212 St-Jean Street; Saint-Léonard, NB
Open: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Daily
http://patrimoinemadvic.com/en/musee.php?cat=Georges-Lapointe+Historical+Museum

Sainte-Anne-du-Madawaska (Madawaska County)

Ste-Anne-du-Madawaska Catholic Church and Cemetery

Built of local granite in 1923, this church, situated on a high promontory, is a landmark visible from several miles away. The Acadian devotion to Ste-Anne (Mary's mother) began here in 1886 and continues to this day with its annual pilgrimage and the celebrated Feast of Ste-Anne. The collection of artwork within the church is widely recognized. The historic Acadian cemetery is located near the church.

Location: 101 Rue Principale (Main Street); Sainte-Anne-du-Madawaska, NB
Opens: Daily
http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8095

St-Basile (Madawaska County)

St-Basile Catholic Church and Cemetery

Founded in 1792 by the pioneer Acadians, St-Basile was the first Catholic church in the Madawaska area. Constructed in 1934, this is the third church on this site. The cemetery contains graves of many of the first Acadian families to settle this region with the first burial occurring about 1790 and the earliest tombstone existing today dating from 1802.

Location: 312 Rue Principale (Main Street); Saint-Basile, NB
Open: Daily
http://www.umce.ca/hoteldieustbasile/en/expositions/cat.php?id_cat=2

Alexis Cyr House

A "pièce-sur-pièce" home dating to ca. 1825, the Alexis Cyr home is the oldest known home in Madawaska County, New Brunswick. The chapel onsite is an exact replica of the original chapel.

Location: Rue de la Chapelle Street; Saint-Basile, NB
Open: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Wednesday - Sunday
Admission Fee: No Charge; Donations Accepted
http://www.ooklnet.com/web/venue_info/30549/Cyr+Historical+House
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/cy05303/alexis-cyr-house/-new-brunswick/

Dr. Honoré Cyr House

The house is a two-story example of the American four-square style of construction and was built in 1913. Dr. Honoré Cyr, a physician, played a major role in the development of Saint-Basile.

Location: 373 Rue Principale (Main Street); Saint-Basile, NB
Open: Private Home; View from roadway
http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=5473&pid=0
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/oh06517/dr.-honore-cyr-house/-new-brunswick/

Soucy Farm

A farm complex consisting of a two-story Second Empire House, four outbuildings and associated farmland, Soucy Farm was built in 1785-1786 and has prospered for over 200 years. The farm has remained in the Soucy family for seven generations - since founded by Célestin Soucy. Its agriculture consists of livestock breeding and alternate planting of potatoes and grains. The home was built in the mid-1800s.

Location: 683 Rue Principale (Main Street); Saint-Basile, NB
Open: Operating Farm; View from roadway
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/fx97796/soucy-farm/-new-brunswick/

Edmundston (Madawaska County)

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Built between 1925 - 1927, the building was first a parish church and in 1944 became a cathedral for the Catholic Diocese of Edmundston. Superb craftsmanship has made the cathedral a landmark building.

Location: 175 Rue de l'Église (Church Street); Edmundston, NB
Open: Daily
http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/cathimmaconcep.html

Petit-Sault Blockhouse

Built in 1841 by the British during the "Bloodless" Aroostook War Boundary Dispute, the blockhouse was strategically located to protect the territory. It was destroyed by lightening in 1855 and authentically rebuilt in 2000 as an historic interpretation site.

Location: 14 St-Jean Avenue; Edmundston, NB
Open: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm; Daily
Admission Fee: $0 - $7
http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/F/Fortin-du-Petit-Sault-Petit-Sault-Blockhouse.aspx

Albert House

This two-story Second Empire residence, built around 1908, is historically significant for its capped tower, mansard roof and circular window in the façade.

Location: 25 Rue Canada; Edmundston, NB
Open: Private Residence; View from the roadway
http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=4967

Law Office of Jean Cyr

Built about 1905, this building is one of the oldest residences in Edmundston. Initially owned by the Emmerson family that played a significant role in the development of Edmundston, the current law office has been the residence of several other prominent persons.

Location: 10 Emmerson Street; Edmundston, NB
Open: Private Office; View from roadway
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/xj48040/office-of-lawyer-jean-cyr/-new-brunswick/

Emmerson House

A one-and-a-half story bungalow built about 1920, it represents the bungalow style so popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Currently it serves as a tourism office.

Locations: 1 Canada Road; Edmundston, NB
Open: Daily
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/dl43067/emmerson-house/-new-brunswick/

L'Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph

Built in 1885, this was the former convent of the Religious Hospitaliers of Saint-Joseph. This religious order of nuns arrived in Saint-Basile in 1873 and founded the first hospital and a French teaching institution in the region. It was the first brick building in Madawaska County, New Brunswick. The Museum of the Religious Hospitaliers of Saint-Joseph is located on the fourth floor of Hôtel-Dieu in Saint-Basile, NB.

Location: 429 Rue Principale (Main Street); Edmundston, NB
Open: Unknown
http://www.umce.ca/hoteldieustbasile/en/accueil/

Du Réel au Miniature: Railroad Interpretation Center

Contained in a replica of a 1900 train shed, this museum relates to the history of the New Brunswick railways and railway-men. It contains a miniature train layout of New Brunswick.

Location: 1091 Rue Victoria; Edmundston, NB
Open: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Daily
Admission Fee: Adults ($9.00), Children (Free)
http://www.dureelauminiature.com/english.html

Edmundston Canadian Pacific Railroad Station

Built in 1929-1930, the Edmundston CPR Station was part of the bold plan to link the St. Lawrence Valley with the Port of St. John in southern New Brunswick. This brick structure is the last relic from this venture.

Location: 121 Rue Victoria; Edmundston, NB
Open: Unknown
http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=2852

Madawaska Historical Museum

With artifacts, documents and exhibits describing the life of early settlers including Acadians in the Madawaska region, the museum also showcases local contemporary art and antiques.

Location: 195 Boulevard Hébert; Edmundston, NB
Open: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Weekends
Admission Fee: Adult ($3.50), Children ($2.00), Family ($7.00)
http://www.bestoftheroad.com/place/madawaska-historical-museum-new-brunswick/135825

Claude Picard Fresco "La Vie au Madawaska 1785-1985"

Displayed in the Counsel Chambers at Edmundston City Hall, this 1985 painting by Claude Picard uses 24 different themes to illustrate life in the Madawaska region during its 200 years.

Location: 7 Canada Road, Edmundston, NB
Open: Weekdays during Business Hours
http://www.demelerlespinceaux.ca/fresque-en
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/id68929/claude-picard-fresco-la-vie-au-madawaska-1785-1985/-new-brunswick/

Madawaska Maliseet First Nation

Immediately on arriving at the shores of the Upper St. John River in 1785, the Acadians sent a delegation to the Maliseet First Nation people and asked for their help in settling the St. John Valley. The Maliseet aided the Acadians in this effort by granting the Acadians land in exchange for the Acadians protecting the territory against intruders. Today the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation village is small with about 75 houses and 182 people. It is located between Edmundston and Saint-Basile.

Location: 1771 Rue Principale (Main Street); Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, NB
Open: A Village
http://patrimoinemadvic.com/en/villes.php?cat=Madawaska+Maliseet+First+Nation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madawaska_Maliseet_First_Nation

Saint-Hilaire (Madawaska County)

Maxime Albert Complex

The complex contains an 1865 house and an 1895 house that was the home of the Maxime Albert family. Maxime Albert was the head of a major bootlegging network during Prohibition (1920s -1930s) and a local homemade alcohol "bagosse" was produced in the 1865 house. In 2004 a monument to the Acadian pioneers of Saint-Hilaire was placed on the property.

Location: 2167 Rue Centrale (Central Street); Saint-Hilaire, NB
Open: Daily
http://www.lieuxpatrimoniaux.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=12406

Maurifils Farm

A year-round farm market with vegetables, ice cream, jams, jellies, pickles, preserves, maple syrup, maple butter, maple taffy, maple candy and local crafts. And enjoy the goats and llamas on the farm after you shop. The farmers use old, traditional techniques as the Acadians did. A must stop as you travel the Madawaska region.

Location: 3027 Route 120; Saint-Hilaire, NB
Open: Daily
http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/F/Maurifils-Farm.aspx
http://www.alltravels.com/united-states/maine/frenchville/videos/current-video-86832

St-Hilaire Catholic Church and Presbytery

Built about 1875 after the founding of the parish in 1868, St-Hilaire Catholic Church is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the area. This parish is closely linked with St-Luce Catholic parish just across the St. John River in Maine. Until 1868, parishioners of Saint-Hilaire traveled to St-Luce Catholic Church for services and were buried in the St-Luce Cemetery. The St-Hilaire Presbytery (priest's home and office) was built in 1930 on land donated by Maxime Albert (the bootlegging baron).

Location: 2200 Rue Centrale (Central Street); Saint-Hilaire, NB
Open: Daily
http://tourismedmundston.com/en/informations.php?cat=Saint-Hilaire+%2F+Baker-Brook
http://www.historicplaces.net/historicplace/xq58224/saint-hilaire-presbytery/-new-brunswick/

Clair

Clair Historical Site (Daigle/St. Jean House)

One of the oldest homes in the Madawaska region, this charming Acadian house was built in 1848 and was home to the Daigle and later St. Jean families. On the grounds one also can tour a chapel, barn, logging camp, cookroom and community garden. Guided tours acquaint you with the lifestyles of these Madawaskan Acadian.

Location: 724 Rue Principale (Main Street); Clair, NB
Open: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Sunday
Admission Fee: $2.00 - $7.00
http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/C/Clair-Historic-Site-Clair-Historical-Society.aspx

St-François-de-Madawaska

The J. B. Michaud Blacksmith Shop

This century-old structure housed the blacksmith forge of J.B. Michaud and later his son Joseph. They served a critical place in the community - shoeing horses for hay season, constructing needed equipment for wagons, houses and other buildings and designing and building those little extras to make their community a better place. Today you can smell the forge, walk the floor and see the results of the blacksmith trade. On weekends a blacksmith demonstrates his skills at the forge.

Location: 2056 Rue Commerciale (Commercial Street); St-François, NB
Open: Wednesday - Sunday
Admission Fee: $2.00
http://patrimoinemadvic.com/en/musee.php?cat=J.B.+Michaud+Blacksmith

Connors Museum

Built in the 1880s by Robert Connors, this building first served as a general store until the 1960s. First located on the shores of St. John River, it was moved to its current location in the 1890s. Today the Connors Museum displays regional artifacts of yesteryear.

Location: 2033 Rue Commerciale (Commercial Street); St-François, NB
Open: Unknown
http://patrimoinemadvic.com/en/villes.php?cat=Saint-Fran%E7ois-de-Madawaska+and+Connors

St-François-Xavier-de-Madawaska Catholic Church & 150th Anniversary Heritage Room

First built in 1847, the church was destroyed by fire in 1886 and rebuilt shortly afterwards. The 150th Anniversary Heritage Room is located in the lower level of the church and depicts the life of the Acadians who settled this region using artifacts and belongings of these Acadian pioneers. Also, take a moment to walk through the cemetery on the grounds.

Location: 2017 Rue Commerciale (Commercial Street); St-François, NB
Open: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Tuesday - Sunday
http://www.upperstjohn.com/stfrancois/
http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/M/150thAnniversaryHeritageRoomMuseum.aspx

Kedgwick

Kedgwick Forestry Village and Museum

Located in the heart of the Applachian woodlands, Kedgwick is a lumbering community. Come explore a 1930s heritage logging village and learn a bit about lumbering techniques, taste some of the local treats and enjoy tales of the forest as told by local guides. Lumbering was a profession of many Acadians.

Location: 7989 Route 17; Kedgwick Nord, NB
Open: Daily
Admission Fee: $5.00 - $18.00
http://www.tourismenouveaubrunswick.ca/Produits/K/Village-et-musee-forestier-de-Kedgwick.aspx

QUÉBEC

Pohénégamook (Témiscouata RCM)

Canada Border Service

This original 1942 border crossing with building was once widely used for contraband activities due to its remoteness. A Canada-U.S. Border Monument on the site symbolizes the exchange of a vast territory to the U.S. for the Niagara Peninsula. The small international bridge was built in 1906 and used by cigarette and alcohol smugglers, lovers, fishermen and even an occasional tourist. There are interpretative panels and a border officer available to answer questions.

Location: 1309 Rue Principale; Pohénégamook, QC
Open: Daily
http://www.tourismetemiscouata.qc.ca/quebec-vacations/members/visit/culture-heritage-and-historical-sites/parc-de-la-frontiere.aspx

Marie-Médiatrice d'Estcourt Church

Built in 1933, the Marie-Médiatrice Church was the first stone church in the area. The church was built to serve the many new settlers who came to this region with the opening of a new line of the Transcontinental Railway.

Location: 1250 Chemin Guérette; Pohénégamook, QC
Open: Daily
http://diocese-ste-anne.net/?paroisse=pohenegamook-marie-mediatrice-destcourt

Rivière-Bleue (Témiscouata RCM)

Rivière-Bleue Train Station

This is the only Transcontinental Railway Station that has been preserved. The Transcontinental Railway was instrumental in developing an immense area. There is a museum, interpretative panels, demonstrations by artisans and a photographic exhibit on the history of Rivière-Bleue.

Location: 85 Saint-Joseph Nord; Rivière-Bleue, QC
Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday - Saturday; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sunday - Monday
http://www.garederivierebleue.com/en/homepage

Gospel Baptist Chapel of Rivière-Bleue

This chapel, built in 1920, served a French-Canadian Protestant population from the United States and later parishioners from Rivière-Bleue. A cemetery and interpretative panels are on the site.

Location: 27 Rue Saint-Pierre; Rivière-Bleue, QC
Open: Daily
http://www.routedesfrontieres.com/historik/rdf_en.php

Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande (Témiscouata RCM)

Romain-Caron Covered Bridge

Built during the 1940s and restored in 2010, this is the only covered bridge in the Témiscouata region. An interpretative panel is near the bridge.

Location: Range 6, 1.8 miles from Route 289; Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande, QC
Open: Always

Dégelis (Témiscouata RCM)

Gare l'Héritage

A completely restored old railway line, the Gare l'Heritage serves as a tourist information bureau today and contains an exhibition of local art.

Location: 584, 6e Rue; Dégelis, QC
Open: Daily
http://www.tourismetemiscouata.qc.ca/quebec-vacations/members/visit/culture-heritage-and-historical-sites/gare-lheritage.aspx

Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac (Témiscouata RCM)

Fort Ingall

This authentic reconstruction of the British Fort Ingall on the original site tells the story of the 1839 border conflict between the United States and Canada. A permanent exhibit describes the history of this war using artifacts discovered during archeological excavations. Guided tours are available.

Location: 81 Rue Caldwell; Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, QC
Open: 9:00 am - 5;00 pm; Daily
Admission Fee: Adults ($10.00), Children & Seniors ($7.00)
http://www.fortingall.ca/en

Auberge Marie Blanc

A former hunting lodge built in 1905, Auberge Marie Blanc (formerly called Le Gray Lodge) is now an outstanding inn on the shores of Lake Témiscouata. It was built by New York attorney William D. Bishop.

Location: 2629 Rue Commerciale Sud; Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, QC
Open: Commercial Inn
http://www.aubergemarieblanc.com/histoire.php
http://www.tourismetemiscouata.qc.ca/quebec-vacations/members/stay/hotels/auberge-marie-blanc.aspx

Saint-André-de-Kamouraska (Témiscouata RCM)

Saint-André-de-Kamouraska Catholic Church

Completed in 1811, Saint-André Church is not only an historic church, but also houses five outstanding works of art.

Location: 128 Rue Principale; Saint-André-de-Kamoursaska, QC
Open: Daily
http://www.uquebec.ca/musique/orgues/quebec/sandrek.html
http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=7840

La Maison de la Prune

The spacious home built in 1840 and restored in 1978 houses a country store selling homemade products including jams, jellies and fruit sauces and a museum. The deBlois-Martin family revived one of the oldest horticultural traditions of the region by cultivating Damon Plum trees in the outstanding orchard.

Location: 129 Route 132 Est; Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, QC
Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Daily (Guided tour on Sunday at 10:30 am)
http://www.mrckamouraska.com/repertoireculturel/fiche.php?cat=7&fiche=167

Pointe-à-la-Croix (Avignon RCM)

Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site of Canada

This museum commemorates the last naval battle between Great Britain and France for possession of the North American continent. The battle ended on 8 July 1760 in the Restigouche River and sealed the fate of New France forever. The museum contains historical artifacts from the battle as well as audiovisual displays. There are also a few Acadian exhibits concerning La Petite-Rochelle.

Location: Route 132; Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC
Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Daily
Admission Fee: Adults ($3.95), Children ($1.95), Seniors ($3.45)
http://gaspesie.quebecheritageweb.com/attraction/plunging-past-battle-restigouche-national-historic-site
http://gaspesie.quebecheritageweb.com/organization/battle-restigouche-national-historic-site

La Petite-Rochelle Archeological Investigation

In 2008 the Sociéte Historique Machault began a series of archeological investigations to locate the Acadian village of La Petite-Rochelle. This village was destroyed and burned in 1760 by the British after the Battle of Restigouche. The surviving Acadians were imprisoned at Fort Cumberland (formerly Fort Beauséjour) in southern New Brunswick. Jean Guédry, his wife Marie LeBlanc and their children were captured at La Petite-Rochelle and taken to Fort Cumberland.

Location: In vicinity of Pointe-à-la-Croix
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/qc/ristigouche/ne/Archeo-2013-Causeries.aspx
http://journals.hil.unb.ca/index.php/acadiensis/article/view/10813/11609