Travel Article: Historic Sites of the Avalon Peninsula

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City of St. John's¹

History runs deep at the easternmost point of Canada, where a rich heritage is preserved in museums, archaeological sites, historical attractions and strong ties to tradition. Located on the southeast portion of Newfoundland, the Avalon Peninsula was one of the first European-settled areas in North America, with colonies established in the early 17th century. St. John's, North America's oldest city, is the epicenter of the peninsula and is replete with significant historical sites of provincial and national designation. Framed by spectacular coastlines, traditional fishing villages and impressive architecture and preserved by cultural pride, Avalon's history comes to life.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

The formation of Newfoundland as we know it today is attributed to its early abundance of cod fish, which lured Europeans to the Grand Banks fishing grounds at the end of the 15th century. Migrant Basque fishermen and European merchants created fishing and commercial outposts along the coasts, which they were often forced to abandon during military raids and other unforeseen disasters. Long forgotten, some of these sites have been resurrected through careful archaeological excavation, allowing the public an exceptional view of the past.


	17th-century Ruins at the Colony of Avalon Archaeological Site²

The Colony of Avalon in Ferryland provides a look into a 17th-century settlement founded by George Calvert in 1621. Archaeologists there have unearthed over one million artifacts, defense ditches, structures, cobblestone streets, a waterfront seawall and the remnants of a large stone warehouse. Many of the relics are on display in the on-site interpretive centre and visitors are welcome to view archaeologists at work at the six dig sites on the property and at the conservation laboratory. The facility also features a living history demonstration, a reduced-scale 17th-century kitchen garden and a gift shop.

Cupids Archaeology Dig, located in the historic village of Cupids, is the site of the oldest British colony in North America, settled in 1610 by John Guy. The active archaeological dig provides a distinctive look into the past, including evidence of two of the oldest European-made structures in North America and over 100,000 unearthed items and fragments from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Artifacts from the dig along with historical regional information are on display at the nearby Cupids Museum, open from mid-June to mid-October.

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES

Four of the nine National Historic Sites of Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador can be found on the Avalon Peninsula. In addition to helping shape the island's history, these sites have significant importance for the heritage of the nation as a whole.


Cape Spear Lighthouse³

Built in 1836, the lighthouse at the Cape Spear National Historic Site is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and marks the easternmost point of North America. The lighthouse played an important role in coastal navigation and military defense and has been restored to showcase lighthouse-keeping traditions as they were in the 19th century. Gun emplacements surrounding the property are a reminder of the military history of the site and serve today as a sheltered lookout for seasonal iceberg-, ship- and whale-watching opportunities.

In operation from May to October, the Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site of Canada, located in Brigus, provides a glimpse into outport life and was the home of world explorer, Captain Bob Bartlett. The cottage, built in 1830, features vernacular design mixed with unique architectural details and showcases an array of exhibits. Guided tours and live theatrical performances are also offered.

Overlooking the town of Placentia, the Castle Hill Historic Site features the preserved remains of a 17th-century military fortification built by the French and overtaken by the British following amendments to international fishing laws. The site, known as Fort Royal, offers a visitors' interpretive centre, tours and impressive historical re-enactments from mid-May to mid-October.


	Signal Hill National Historic Site⁴

An important communication post and strategic port defense in St. John's history, the Signal Hill National Historic Site located at the mouth of St. John's Harbor is an iconic landmark in the city. Remarkable events at the site include the last battle of the Seven Years' War in 1762 and the reception of the first transatlantic wireless message by inventor Guglielmo Marconi in 1901. Visitors can take in a performance of 19th-century military drills at the Signal Hill Tattoo during summer months, or hike the North Head Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the coast and the city.

PROVINCIAL HISTORIC SITES

Throughout the Avalon, sites of historical and architectural significance are granted special designation for their role in preserving provincial heritage and providing glimpses into an area's characterful past. The Newman Wine Vaults Provincial Historic Site and Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site in St. John's are two such sites which offer interpretive opportunities and interesting perspectives on the city's colourful history. The vaults, located on historic Water Street, were used to age Newman's ruby port from 1679 to the early 20th century and for an array of purposes thereafter. Incepted as a historic site in 1974, the vaults are the only ones of their kind province-wide. In addition to running guided tours, the site offers theatrical performances, wine tastings and storytelling events.

Located east of downtown and just minutes from Signal Hill, the Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site is a reconstructed 19th-century military fortification that features live historical interpretations of how life would have been for soldiers and their families in 1812. The battery, built by the French following their capture of territory along the Avalon Peninsula, was recaptured by the British and used to defend the adjacent fishing harbour of Quidi Vidi Village. In operation from mid-May to early October, the site offers guided tours and is an ideal location for iceberg and whale viewing in early summer.


Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site⁵

Visitors uncover Newfoundland's illustrious communication history at the Hearts Content Cable Station, where communication via the transatlantic telegraph cable landed in 1866. The Hearts Content site features the original cable station building, a replica cable office, historical exhibits, guides in period costumes, storytelling events and a gift shop.

MUSEUMS & INTERPRETIVE CENTRES

While the Avalon Peninsula boasts an abundance of community museums and interpretive centres, a few distinctive locations stand out for their significance to the economic history of southeast Newfoundland. The fisheries industry has long been considered the heart of Newfoundland's foundation and the ensuing tradition of boat building. The boat builders of Winterton, located along the Baccalieu Trail in north central Avalon, have a well-known reputation as ingenious craftsmen. Their skills are celebrated at the Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, an interactive exhibit of boat building demonstrations, pictorial displays of the area's boat-building history, and historic artifacts. Visitors to the museum have the opportunity to view boat designs unique to the area, including punts, trap skiffs and Baccalieu bullies.

Located on Bell Island, accessible by ferry via Portugal Cove, the Bell Island Mine Museum and Underground Tour offers a unique look into the once prosperous mining history of the Avalon Peninsula. Known formerly as the No. 2 Mine, this submarine operation mined iron ore from 1902 to 1949 and extended over 4 km (2.5 mi) under Conception Bay. In addition to offering an interpretive centre showcasing the rise and fall of mining exploration on the island, the site also offers underground mine tours daily from June to September.

If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Newfoundland & Labrador: Discover the Past
• Historic Sites in the Northwest Territories

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

The City of St. John's; St. John's, NL, CAN

Colony of Avalon Archaeological Site; Ferryland, NL, CAN

The Lighthouse at the Cape Spear National Historic Site; Avalon Peninsula, NL, CAN

Signal Hill National Historic Site; St. John's, NL, CAN

Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site; St. John's, NL, CAN

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Historic Sites of the Avalon Peninsula