Founding Story 

The settlement of Maces Bay began with the granting of 1,485 acres of land to seven men.  The land was divided into lots of approximately 200 acres each and granted November 9, 1787 and registered February 1, 1788. 

People had emigrated to America originally from Europe to find places to live and opportunities to make a living.  Many immigrants knew they had nothing to return to and were intent on settlement.  After the War of Independence of 1783, came the offer of free land to loyalists.  In addition to his 200 acres of land, the loyalist was issued with a musket, axe, shovel, back pay and some tickets for food.  The settlement expanded as land was cleared for buildings and gardens, weirs and wharves.  Wild game, as well as fish, supplied essential food for growing families.

Over the years the settlement developed into a thriving fishing community supported by farming, pottery and fox farms.  Gathering dulse and periwinkles became a source of income for many families.  Produce and other goods were rowed across the Bay to Saint John to be sold in the markets there.  The settlers built churches and schools.  The hardships of epidemics, death and poverty were ever present as well as the joyous times of marriages and baptisms

In recent years, the traditional way of life of Maces Bay as well as Chance Harbour and Dipper Harbour, have fallen under the shadow of the Pt. Lepreau Nuclear Power Plant, which is located in their midst.

Some of the names common to this area are: Corscadden, Mawhinney, Lomax, Waycott, Ellis, Wenn, Shaw, Boyne, McGowan, Brown and Small.

Most Maces Bay citizens are noted for extreme sufficiency that has stemmed from shared knowledge, work, and resources, and a deep loyalty within its boundaries.