From 1832 – 1979, the granite walls of the old Charlotte County Gaol held prisoners for crimes from debt to murder. Today, they hold stories.
The Archives
Housed in the historic gaol in St. Andrews, the Charlotte County Archives’ rich and varied collection reflects the diversity, experience, and achievement of the peoples of Southwest New Brunswick. Archival materials dating from the 18th to 21st centuries include hundreds of thousands of original records reflecting individuals, families, groups, and businesses contributing to the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the region.
The Archives is open year-round, with hours varying seasonally. We welcome researchers of all kinds. Research appointments are required to help us help you – please contact us ahead of your proposed visit.
Visitors to the archives can access over 170 linear metres of correspondence, maps, diaries, architectural drawings, albums, ledgers, ships-logs, deeds, over 25,000 photographs, and more. Our research room includes family histories; a small library of books relevant to the history of the area; microfilmed versions of regional newspapers dating back to the 1820s, many of them indexed for births, deaths, and marriages; and other resources for researchers of all kinds.
Our collections records can be browsed and searched here. Thousands of our photographs are also viewable and searchable via our online photo collection.
The Gaol
The Charlotte County Gaol was constructed in 1832 of grey granite blocks, 2.5 feet thick. The gaol is a solid square building with austere jail cells in active use until 1979. Each cell is completely closed in by granite blocks except for a very narrow iron door, creating an atmospheric tour site and doubtless a claustrophobic experience for prisoners. Additional resource material can be found via this external site link.
The Gaol will be open for visits June – August 2025. Outside these months, please contact us to arrange a tour.