Deny`s also noted that the Richibucto Micmacs were the mightiest tribe
of the Micmac nation. Deny`s further observations show that the Chief
at Richibucto was also named Denis, has upon the border of the basin
of the river very high platforms with steps leading to a height of 80
feet. He has Indians on the lookout, who can see for miles anything
along the coast. If any vessels or canoes are seen the entire tribe
is brought under arms with bows and arrows. This Chief Denis is a most
vicious Indian, and all the Indians along the North American Coast have
great fear of him.
The Richibucto River and the entire country
round about is very beautiful, the lands neither too low nor too high.
The hunting and fishing here is great and the mackerel being the largest
and more plentiful than anywhere we have yet been along the coast of
Nova Scotia.
A Scottish and English fur trading post
opened in Richibucto in 1646. There are many old maps that exist that
give an idea of the trend of the coast and its leading features. One
old map published in Paris in 1661 shows Richibucto.One
thing must be assumed is that the old France settlers at the Aldouane
must have been at peace with the Indians as there is no account of them
having been molested. The first Seignior in Kent was given to Louis
D'Amour in 1686 and he built (Fort Richibucto) on French Island (Indian
Island).
Previous to the separation of New Brunswick
from Nova Scotia, there were few English settlers in these parts. There
were many Acadian North-West of Richibucto.
The Powells arrived here in 1787. However,
Solomon Powell made an excursion to this area in 1786. It
was the Powells who first petitioned for land and secured title to their
holdings. The Powells were given the first English Grant and it ranged
from Mooney`s Creek to Mill Creek (Upper Rexton). Mooney`s creek was
then known as Blanchard Creek. Their Royal Grant excepted the White
Pine, which King George the third reserved for the Royal Navy masts.
The Acadians and the old French settlers seeing that the English would
soon own all the land also petitioned for grants of land. The reading
of this petition would give the impression that the English had settled
here first. Actually, the French from Bretagne and Normandy were settled
on the Aldouane in the 1700's. Their grandfathers had settled here more
then one hundred years previous to the coming of the Powells and other
Scotch and English settlers.