Fredericton, New Brunswick

We spent today exploring Fredericton, New Brunswick by carpooling to the city parking lot and taking a guided walking tour of many of the historically significant buildings. These buildings were in the original area of the English settlement. The first Europeans to inhabit this area were the French. The British garrisoned troops here in 1784 after the American Revolution, when the King granted many of his Loyalist civilians land after their “removal” from the new United States.
They have managed to retain buildings that were built in the 1800’s and 1900’s. Some of the military buildings are still government owned and some are now housing businesses. Several of the original buildings (1784 era) are now used by the local government. Our tour guides were very well informed about all aspects of the town’s history.
The original occupant of the white house you see here has a direct connection to the war for U.S. independence. His name was O’Dell and he was the man who assisted Benedict Arnold in his efforts to sell out the U.S. West Point garrison to the British. Arnold was reputedly a guest in this house after escaping from the U.S. The guide said Arnold also actually owned some property just a ways from Fredericton on the river but he was never very well liked by the populace.
The fountain we are sitting upon is situated in Phoenix square. It’s called Phoenix square because the city hall behind the fountain was burned to the ground 3 times. Each successive building was more beautiful than it’s predecessor. The golden boy statute behind us is known as the “Little Nude Dude”. His placement on the fountain was cause for dismay by the town’s Victorian ladies, as he is “anatomically” correct! They requested his removal or that he be covered up, but the city fathers declined to do either. The original was later stolen, broken apart and discarded, but he was found, repaired and is now protected in a glass case. The one on the fountain is a duplicate
We got to watch a ceremonial changing of the guard in the city square. It was accompanied by bagpipers and included a review of the troops. You can see that some of them don't even shave! They do this 2 times day all summer. The city really goes out of their way to promote tourism. They even presented us with official visitor certificates and city pins..
We finished the day with a hail accompanied downpour and windstorm that actually ripped an awning off one RV in the park. Not ours!! But we know how the poor people feel since it happened to us in Apache Junction several years ago.