Nestled in the heart of Westmorland County, Memramcook, New Brunswick, is a vibrant village steeped in history and cultural significance. This predominantly Acadian community, sometimes also spelled Memramcouke or Memramkouke, is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Acadian people.
Memramcook has a rich history that dates back to the Mi'kmaq people who inhabited the region for centuries before the arrival of the Acadians in 1700. The village played a crucial role in the history of the region, surviving the deportation of a large part of its Acadian population in 1755.
The village was also home to the Collège Saint-Joseph, the first francophone university in eastern Canada, which opened its doors in 1864 and hosted the first National Acadian Convention in 1881.
Known as the "Berceau de l'Acadie" or "cradle of Acadia," Memramcook has a name that originates from the Mi'kmaq language and means "variegated," a reference to the intricate Memramcook River. The village's name has undergone several changes over the years, with variations including Memerancook, Memerancooque, Memeramcook, Memramkook, and Mamramcook.
The Mi'kmaq people were the original inhabitants of the region, with their main village and cemetery located in Beaumont. The arrival of the Acadians in 1700 marked a significant turning point in the village's history, leading to its development and growth.
In August 1755, English soldiers were sent to capture the Acadians in Memramcook. However, with the help of the local Miꞌkmaq people and Father LeGuerne, the Acadians managed to evade capture. This event marked a significant moment in the village's history, allowing it to escape the fate of many other Acadian communities.
Following the deportation, Memramcook experienced an Acadian renaissance, becoming a symbol of Acadian heritage and resilience. The village was one of the few Acadian communities that the English did not invade, and it was the first in New Brunswick to establish a Catholic parish in 1781.
Today, Memramcook continues to celebrate its Acadian heritage. The village has hosted several National Acadian Conventions and was the site of the first Jeux de la Francophonie Canadienne in 1999. The village also boasts several significant landmarks, including the Monument Lefebvre, built in 1896, and the Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur congregation, established in 1924.
Memramcook was incorporated as a town in 1995, incorporating several villages and communities, including Saint-Joseph, Breau Creek, Cormier's Cove, La Hêtrière, McGinley's Corner, Memramcook, Memramcook East (Lourdes), Pré-d'en-Haut, Shediac Road, and a portion of the Parish of Dorchester.
Located 20 km south-east of Moncton, in the Trois-Rivières region, Memramcook covers an area of 187.67 km2. The village is home to two significant lakes, Le Lac and Folly Lake, and several marsh areas, mostly along the river banks.
As of the 2021 Census, Memramcook had a population of 5,029. The village is predominantly French-speaking, with 84.3% of the population identifying French as their mother tongue. The average age is 43.9 years, and women make up 50.8% of the population.
Memramcook offers a range of services and amenities to its residents, including a library service, a non-profit organization providing housing and care to the elderly or disabled, a fire department, and a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. The village also has two post offices and is served by the Planning Commission Beaubassin.
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Memramcook, New Brunswick, a village that embodies the spirit of Acadia.
