Ever wonder what lies beneath the serene waters of the Mactaquac Headpond? When the Mactaquac Dam was built in 1968, it forever changed the landscape of New Brunswick’s Saint John River Valley—submerging entire communities, homes, and farms. But don’t worry, this isn’t a ghost story… it’s a fascinating chapter of our province’s history!
The Hidden History Beneath the Surface
When the Mactaquac
Dam was completed in 1968, it created the Mactaquac Headpond, a 96-kilometer-long reservoir. While this massive hydroelectric project is responsible for providing about 20% of New Brunswick’s power, it also had a big impact on the surrounding communities. Entire villages—like Bear Island, Kingsclear, and parts of Keswick Ridge—were lost to the rising waters, along with roads, railways, and even a historic waterfall! The floodwaters transformed the river valley into what we now know as the
Mactaquac Headpond, a stunning and peaceful reservoir. But lurking just beneath the surface are remnants of the past—old farmhouses, foundations, and even forgotten roads that tell the story of a way of life that once thrived here.
What’s Hiding Beneath?
If you’re the adventurous type, you might want to take a dive into the waters of the Mactaquac Headpond. Scuba divers often report spotting eerie foundations and outlines of homes preserved in the cold, clear water, though the passage of time has left its mark. The depth of the water, up to 40 meters near the dam, keeps most of this history well out of view, but occasionally, when water levels drop, glimpses of the
sunken village appear along the shore. It’s a hidden world that’s still full of stories waiting to be told.
The planned town of Nackawic and the nearby Ste. Anne Nackawic pulp and paper mill were built to accommodate the new reservoir and power opportunities.
Exploring the Past and Present
While the Mactaquac Headpond is a fantastic place for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, there’s a
deeper, more mysterious side to this beautiful spot. For those interested in a more historical adventure, the underwater remnants of the sunken village are a must-see. Just make sure to approach with caution—diving in these waters isn’t for the faint of heart, thanks to currents, depth, and limited official markers.
Here’s where we come in! At [Your Insurance Company Name], we’re not just here to protect what’s on the surface; we want to help you safeguard what lies beneath too. Whether
it’s your home, your property, or the hidden treasures of our province, we’re here to make sure you stay protected—above the water and below!
So, next time you’re out by the water, think about what’s beneath you. The Mactaquac Headpond isn’t just a beautiful spot to enjoy—it’s a place where history is quietly preserved, waiting to be discovered.
If you want to read more about The Vanished Village - Jewett's Mills, N.B. you can purchase this book from the Keswick Ridge
Historical Society here:
