Rusagonis-Waasis, a former local service district in Lincoln Parish, Sunbury County, New Brunswick, is a Canadian gem that carries a rich history and a unique charm. The district was named after two communities within its boundaries, Rusagonis and Waasis. The community of Rusagonis was once referred to as Rusagornis in early references. Today, Rusagonis-Waasis is primarily part of the incorporated rural community of Sunbury-York South, with the remainder belonging to the city of Fredericton and the Capital region rural district.
Rusagonis-Waasis is conveniently located 15 kilometers southeast of Fredericton and is near the community of Tracy. It is situated west-southwest of Oromocto. The district was once served by at least two railway stations (flag stops) operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick provides detailed descriptions of some historical communities within Rusagonis-Waasis.
Rusagonis, pronounced "roo-sha-gor-nish," is located 11.74 km west-southwest of Oromocto. The Maliseet name for Rusagonis, as identified by William Francis Ganong, is Tesegwan'ik. The community was settled in 1784 and was a farming community with approximately 52 families by 1866. By 1904, Rusagonis had a post office, a store, a church, and a population of 75.
Rusagonis Station, located 12.09 km southwest of Oromocto, was a flag station on the Fredericton branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1898. The settlement had a post office, a grist mill, a church, and a population of 50.
Waasis is located 7.97 km west-southwest of Oromocto and 10.98 km west-southwest of Maugerville. The Maliseet name for Waasis, as identified by William Francis Ganong, is Tesegwaniksis or "Little Rusagonis". In 1871, it had a population of 125. By 1898, Waasis was a flag station for the Canadian Pacific Railway and a settlement with a population of 100.
The history of Rusagonis-Waasis is deeply rooted in its communities. Some residents advocated for changing the governing structure from a local service district into a rural community. Today, the district is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, offering a glimpse into the past while embracing the future.
