Maria was founded in 1855 and owes its name to Lady Maria Effingham, Guy Carleton's wife. Micmacs already lived here when American, Scottish and Irish Loyalists came to settle around 1774. But colonization really began in Maria with the coming of Acadians who founded the parish of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Maria in 1860.
Northeast of Maria is the Gesgapegiag Indian Reserve. The church wigwam-shaped is open to visitors. From Hwy 132 you have access to the beach. There are many hiking trails inland joining those at Carleton.
