Burton, New Brunswick

Burton (2001 population: 2,320) is a Canadian rural community in Sunbury County, New Brunswick.

Located on the Saint John River immediately downstream (southeast) of Oromocto on New Brunswick Route 102, Burton is the shire town of the county and is the location of the Sunbury County court house.

It is also located at one end of the Burton Bridge, a major local landmark.

Burton has an elementary school, Burton Elementary School (New Brunswick), but everyone that attends middle school or high school goes to various other District 17 schools located in Oromocto.

The community has its own Lions Club, where members of the community volunteer to maintain and host events like bingo, dances, etc.

Burton also has a court house, Old Orchard Crafts [1](Claimed largest gift shop in the east) and a general store, Ultramar. The first gas station in Burton was opened by the late Mr. Bonnar, eventually run by his son and sold to Mr. Finnan in the 1970s. It remained a full-service Petro-Canada until its closure in 2003.

Burton is home to many old apple orchards.

Burton's subdivisions are home to many Canadian Forces personnel, active and retired, and a number of small businesses are run from local homes.

Located adjacent to the Canadian Forces Combat Training Centre at CFB Gagetown, noises from artillery, helicopters, and other military equipment are common aspects of daily life in Burton, especially near Hamilton Road which becomes a dirt trail leading into the training area, across a former military rail line now used as a tank run.

In addition to the Sunbury County Courthouse, of historical interest is an old homestead near the Burton Bridge, about which further information is required. Local accounts of the history mention a tree near the homestead used for an extrajudicial hanging in the mid-19th century. Several other aged buildings can be found in the area, including a mid-19th century house which stands across from the Burton trailer park on New Brunswick Route 102.

Although no longer operational, the "Goan's On" restaurant still stands at what is known locally as "Goan's Corner" along New Brunswick Route 102, in Burton. It is a curiosity depicted in many local oil paintings. In its hey-day, Goan's On was known for serving the wives of the officer corps during frequent social occasions.

High water tables and annual flooding from the Saint John River have become an increasing concern to area residents in recent years.

There is some active but minimal agriculture, primarily dairy farming, apple orchards, and strawberry patches.

Burton Schoolhouse Cemetery is an Anglican cemetery located near the Burton Elementary School (New Brunswick) on New Brunswick Route 102.

Burton also used to be one of the main housing units for the military.