Description of Historic Place

Richibucto Marine Hospital is a wood framed building situated on a prominent location on the shoreline facing the Richibucto River in the Village of Rexton.

Heritage Value

Richibucto Marine Hospital was designated because it was the first organized hospital in Rexton, which was often the case with marine hospitals in New Brunswick’s coastal communities. The hospital provided rough comfort and tender care to many ill and disabled seamen coming into the Richibucto Harbour during the years 1854 to 1907. The land was acquired by the Justices of Kent through expropriation in 1853 for the sole purpose of establishing a Marine Hospital. Construction was completed in 1854.

Richibucto Marine Hospital is also known for its association with a prominent doctor of the day. Dr. Isaac William Doherty became the superintendent of the hospital in 1859. He served the residents of Rexton for many years and was known to have had the largest practise in Kent County at the time.

Source: Village of Rexton Local Historic Places File # 2004-3.

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements of the Richibucto Marine Hospital include:
- prominent location on the shoreline, facing the Richibucto River;
- the Maritime Vernacular style of the house;
- original field stone foundation;
- exterior of white painted wood clapboards with traditional green shutters;
- the roof extended in the front to form a simple veranda;
- gable roof with one dormer facing the river;
- original window and door openings;
- original stairway in central hall;
- kitchen extension to rear of main building;
- nineteenth century architectural features throughout the house interior including
plank doors, horse hair plaster and lath wall finish, wood trim and door hardware.