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.

Their fortitude and determination to build a city, despite tremendous difficulties is acknowledged every July as Saint John hosts a week-long celebration called the Loyalist Heritage Festival.