Long before the invention of studded tires and heated seats, New Brunswickers braved the winter roads with horse-drawn sleighs. The province's history is steeped in river highways, a stark contrast to the modern conveniences we enjoy today. Jordan Gill, a reporter based in Fredericton, delves into this bygone era in his article, shedding light on the challenges faced by residents during the 19th century. The winter travel conditions in New Brunswick were often treacherous, with snow, ice, sleet, and wind making roads hazardous. However, the real struggle was faced by those who relied on horse-drawn sleighs for transportation. These journeys were not just physically demanding but also dangerous. In the 1800s, rivers were the highways of New Brunswick, and traveling via sleigh over long distances, often on frozen rivers, was a common practice. Historian James Upham describes these commutes as 'a heck of a commute.' The limited horsepower of horses meant that what would take a few hours today could take days back then. Imagine traveling without the comfort of modern heaters, relying instead on a container of hot coals from the breakfast fire to keep you warm. This was the reality for those who ventured out in the cold. The dangers were not just theoretical; they were often fatal. In 1803, newly elected MLA Hugh McMonagle died in a tragic accident when his sleigh crashed through the ice of the Kennebecasis River. McMonagle was traveling from Mount Whatley, near the Nova Scotia border, to Fredericton for his first sitting as an MLA representing Westmorland County. The accident occurred near Darlings Island, where the sleigh broke through the ice, leading to the drowning of McMonagle and another passenger, Benjamin Lester. The Royal Gazette reported the incident as a 'Melancholy Accident,' highlighting the loss of the sleigh, horses, and all the baggage. Despite the risks, some survived such incidents, which Upham finds remarkable given the lack of modern emergency services. In the modern world, we have cell phones and ambulances, but in the 19th century, people had to rely on their wits and the kindness of strangers. The use of river highways has largely disappeared, but it's not entirely forgotten. Upham mentions driving across the Kennebecasis River in a car, where an ice road still exists as a shortcut to Saint John, bypassing the Gondola Point ferry.
