Abstract

For nearly two decades Commodore George Walker was one of the most publicly acclaimed British privateer sea Captains of the mid-18th century. His exploits during war and peace ranged from the Mediterranean to the North Sea to the coasts of North America. In 1763, his ship laden with salt and fishing implements, Walker was determined to start a new life in the trade and fishing industries of Nova Scotia. By 1768 he was successful in establishing a fishing station, shipbuilding site and trading post at Alston Point, Nepisiguit (now Bathurst , New Brunswick). Walker's trade encompassed the entire Bay of Chaleur and his company shipped a variety of salt fish to the Mediterranean, London and West Indies markets. Through his personality and honest business dealings Walker won the respect of the Acadians, the Mi'kmaq and the few other British who inhabited the Bay. By 1777 war with the revolting colonies saw American Privateers plundering all coastal establishments in British territory. In July of 1778 American raiders destroy the homes and stores of George Walker. The Alston Point property, including the suggested area of the 18th C Walker trading establishment, has recently been declared a Protected Historic site by the Province of New Brunswick.