Acadian Landing Site

The Acadian Landing Site is a historic location on the southern bank of the Saint John River where a marble cross mounted on a platform marks the settlement point of French colonists. The site sits alongside a side road connecting to United States Route 1 and features informational plaques that list the names of the first families who arrived.

In 1785, twenty Acadian families led by Joseph Daigle traveled upriver from Fredericton to establish a new settlement at this location. This founding was significant as it represented one of the first permanent Acadian communities to rebuild after their earlier expulsion from Nova Scotia.

The marble cross and surrounding platform serve as a gathering point that connects visitors to the Acadian experience and their determination to rebuild after displacement. The site remains a symbol of cultural resilience for descendants living in the region today.

Access to the site is straightforward via the side road off United States Route 1, with clear signage to guide you in. The open grounds are freely accessible and provide enough space to view the monument and read the informational plaques at your own pace.

The Madawaska Historical Society maintains this location with particular care for preserving the individual names of every settler family who arrived. This personal touch transforms the site from a simple monument into a direct connection with the real people who founded the community.