As Canada's oldest incorporated city, Saint John has been welcoming people from eastern Europe, England, and Ireland for centuries. Each group of immigrants has left their indelible imprint on Saint John culture, architecture, and language.

After the American revolution, in 1783, approximately 14,000 American supporters of the British arrived in Saint John. Some of these "Loyalists" established two settlements on either side of the Saint John river, "Parrtown" on the east side and "Carleton" on the west. In 1785, the two settlements were incorporated by Royal Charter into the City of Saint John - Canada's first city.

In 1877, the Uptown section of the city was destroyed by fire.  The “Great Fire” burned out of control for nine hours, leaving businesses and residential heart of Saint John devastated. On June 20, over 13,000 people lost their homes and were left homeless, 18 people were killed, and damage was estimated to be $28 million. This tragedy could have meant the doom of Saint John were it not for the determination and spirit of the Saint John citizens and the generosity of other communities across North America and Great Britain – completely rebuilding the city within five years.

Saint John has taken great pride in it's history and has restored many of the original building and homes of the early settlers, a walk down  Prince William St. is like taking a walk in the past.