Maria had been the location of a
Mi'kmaq summer coastal community prior to European settlement. In 1774, the area began to be settled by American
Loyalists, and Scottish and Irish settlers. In 1842, the geographic township was formed, named in honour of Lady Maria Howard, wife of
Guy Carleton and third daughter of
Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Effingham. In 1845, the Township Municipality of Maria was established, dissolved, and re-established in 1855. In 1860, the place experienced rapid development when a group of
Acadians arrived and founded the Parish of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Maria. In 1977, Maria changed status from township municipality to just municipality. ==Demographics==