[4] For governance purposes it is divided between the city of Miramichi;[5] the Indian reserves of Big Hole Tract 8 (North Half), Big Hole Tract 8 (South Half), Eel Ground 2, Indian Point 1, Red Bank 4, and Red Bank 7; the incorporated rural community of Miramichi River Valley,[5] and the Greater Miramichi rural district.

Six of the parishes erected simultaneously in Northumberland County in 1814[10] were named for prominent British military figures.

Northesk was erected in 1814 from part of Newcastle Parish and unassigned territory to the west and north.

[17] In 1830 the southern boundary west of Nelson Parish was moved north, removing a strip of territory with the modern Route 108 running through it.

[11][12][20] bold indicates an incorporated municipality or Indian reserve; italics indicates a name no longer in official use Bodies of water[c] at least partly within the parish.