Built of stone and being Georgian in form, John Wyse House is oldest known structure in the City of Miramichi. It was erected by Scottish emigrant farmer and ferry operator John Wyse sometime prior to the Miramichi Fire of 1825, making it over 200 years old.

Over the years, the John Wyse House has served multiple purposes. At various times, the building was operated as a tavern, a hotel, a shop, a place for coroners' inquests, and a meeting place. In 1842, it became a girls-only school for Douglastown children, with John's daughter Susan acting as one of the teachers.

The building is also notable for its role in the infamous "Fighting Election of 1843". In April of 1843, two meetings leading up to the election were held at the building. At the time, political tensions were running high due to the intense rivalry between opponents John T. Williston and John Ambrose Street. In July of that years, a riot broke out between the men's supporters, resulting in a voter's death after they were hit by a rock. Ultimately, the seat would be given to John Ambrose Street.