Milestones

Five Rivers was originally inhabited by Mi'kmaq First Nations, many of whose descendants still reside in the nearby Elsipogtog First Nation, formerly referred to as the Big Cove Band.

In the 1700s, Acadian settlers colonize several areas in what is now western New Brunswick, including Five Rivers, Bouctouche, Miramichi, and Richibucto.

In 1790, Thomas Powel becomes the first English-speaking settler in the area. 

In 1819, John Jardine forms Jardine Shipbuilding and builds the first ship built in Kingston (later Rexton), called the Ellen Douglas, used to ship lumber to the West Indies and other foreign lands.

In 1825, the village of Kingston was founded by John Jardine. Many years later, Kingston was renamed Rexton.

In 1827, Richibucto was erected from Carleton Parish as Liverpool parish. In 1832, the parish's name was changed to Richibucto.

The former Local Service District of Weldford was formed in 1835. It is named after two Kent County Members of the Legislative Assembly in England: John W. Weldon and John P. Ford.

In 1850, the first bridge was built over the Richibucto River.

Bonar Law is born in Rexton. Bonar Law became the only Prime Minister of Great Britain born outside of the United Kingdom.

In 1859, St. Andrew's United Church was constructed under the supervision of Reverend James Law, the father of Bonar Law. The church replaced a smaller church that was lost to fire that was built in the 1820s.

In 1894, the settlement of Harcourt was founded. It became the site of a station on the Intercolonial Railway.

In 1869, the British government starts construction of the Intercolonial Railway to connect Moncton to Chatham, through the area known as Harcourt.

In 1901, Kingston was renamed Rexton.

Harriet Lila (MacNairn) Irving was born on July 12, 1899, in Galloway, Kent County. Harriet's ancestors had moved from Scotland in 1817. Harriet married Kenneth Irving in Bouctouche in 1927, after which they relocated to Saint John to raise their three sons, James, Arthur, and John. Harriet passed away in 1976.

The first Fire Department in Rexton was formed in 1939 to support World War II air raid protection.

On May 16, 1945, the Old Kingston Hospital on Main Street was registered. The building was turned over the the Village of Rexton to serve as its municipal office.

In 1965, the Rexton Lions Club was established when it sponsored the Bouctouche Lions Club.

On November 9, 1966, Rexton was incorporated as a village and elected its first Council.

Rexton builds its lagoon, providing sewer services for local residents.

In 1980, Bonar Law Memorial High School opens in Rexton.

In 1997, the Richibucto River Historical Society moved Rexton's historical records and artefacts into a new building, the Bonar Law Common Museum.

Shawn Michael Graham, a native of Rexton, served as the 31st premier of New Brunswick from 2006 to 2010.

In 2010, the Rexton Health Centre opens to the public.

In September 2010, Eleanor H Graham Middle School opened in Rexton.

In 2011, new pavilions were added to Bonar Law Common park, including a new outdoor performance stage.

In 2023, Rexton added a new Splash Pad to its Recreation Centre.

On January 1, 2023, Five Rivers was formed by the Province of New Brunswick.