New Carlisle was settled by the United Empire Loyalist in 1784. Fleeing the United States after the war of Independence, these early settlers preferred the hardships of forging a new home in a new land rather than separation from Bristish rule. Many of todays residents are direct descendants of these early refugees and discharged British soldiers. Because of the great influx of population, New Carlisle was soon named the official seat of government and Nicholas Cox, Lieutenant-Governor of the district of Gaspé set up his official residence here.

In 1877, New Carlisle officially became a town separate from the Municipality of the Township of Cox, and at that time it also became the legislative seat for the County of Bonaventure. The first Mayor of the new municipality was John Robinson Hamilton and William M. Sheppard served as Secretary-Treasurer. The building of the railway in 1898 was a great boost to the town's economy and until the 1980's was the center of railroading for the Gaspé coast.

Over the years, we have been able to boast of many firsts : such as the first court house, first radio station, first high school, on the coast. While not overly engaged in industry and commerce, sad to say, our greatest export is our talented and enterprising young people who are forging their future in other parts of this country as well as many other countries throughout the world. We are very proud of our beautiful town with it tree lined streets and its 1500 inhabitants which are about equally divided in English and French speaking. The town's slogan says it all: