Rexton

Situated on the scenic Richibucto River, the village now known as Rexton has a rich and layered history. It was originally inhabited by the Mi'kmaq First Nations, whose descendants continue to live in the region today—many in the nearby Elsipogtog First Nation (formerly known as the Big Cove Band).

In the 18th century, Acadian settlers established communities throughout the area, including Bouctouche, Miramichi, and Richibucto Village. English-speaking settlement began with Thomas Powel, who arrived in 1790. Significant colonization followed, particularly by English shipbuilders, Scottish merchants, and Irish immigrants—including Irish Protestants who came to work in the Jardine Shipbuilding Yards around 1819.

Land clearing and settlement intensified after a land survey around the 1820s by Mr. Layton in the Molus River area of Weldford Parish. As a result, many settlers were granted land, and the territory of the Elsipogtog First Nation was reduced to its current boundaries.

Two ships brought a large wave of Scottish settlers: the Dickies, captained by Simon Graham, and the Isabella, helmed by Captain Thomas Carruthers.

Throughout the 19th century, fishing, lumbering, and shipbuilding were thriving industries. In 1850, the first bridge across the Richibucto River was completed, greatly enhancing commerce and regional connectivity.

Originally called Kingston around 1825, the community was renamed Rexton in 1901, to avoid confusion with other locations named Kingston—especially Kingston in Kings County, New Brunswick.

On January 1, 2023, Rexton annexed parts of five local service districts to form the new Village of Five Rivers. Despite this administrative change, the name Rexton remains in official and local use.