The Hartt Boot and Shoe Factory, which was the starting point of a once-world-famous company. The Hartt Boot and Shoe Company was established in 1898 by Odbur Hartt. Hartt, who had worked as a foreman and superintendent at leading American shoe factories while living in the United States, decided starting a shoe company in his native Fredericton would boost the local economy.
 
Odbur Hartt personally oversaw the construction of the Hartt Boot and Shoe Factory. Various local contractors were involved in the project, including famed architect William Minue who developed the design plans. The factory finally opened in the summer of 1899.
 
Once production began, the Hartt Boot and Shoe Company quickly gained global fame for its high-quality products. Cutting-edge machinery, equipment, and facilities allowed the factory to produce only the best-quality shoes. By 1903, it had close to 500 employees who manufactured 2000 pairs of shoes every day. From the original Fredericton factory, the company spread throughout Canada. Additionally, during World Wars I and II, the factory produced boots for servicemen. It also developed the "Strathcona" boots used by the RCMP starting in 1974.
 
Eventually, the demand for good-quality shoes and boots lessened, and the company fell out of favour late in the 20th century. Diminishing returns caused the factory and the company to shut down in 1999. However, the company was resurrected by Peter McMath and Andrew Bedford in 2017 and has been operating since. The factory itself is now a private apartment complex.