Shipbuilding started in the Miramichi Bay area in 1773, and continued until steel-hulled ships took over. It was also an inportant shipping point for lumber and salmon. Timber for the British Navy (masts, etc.,) was obtained there.

Many 19th C. seamen would have heard the name.

The modern town of Miramichi was formed from former Newcastle and Chatham. The name in old songs referred to the River and Bay.