Category: Newfoundland

Once Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, Newfoundland—like Canada— was automatically at war. The people of Newfoundland responded with a great outpouring of patriotism and many rushed to enlist. From a total population of about 240,000, more than 12,000 Newfoundlanders would join up during the war. How did Canada in Newfoundland contribute to […]

The losses were devastating. Of the approximately 800 soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment who fought that day, only 68 were able to answer roll call following the battle. The regiment suffered 710 casualties — 386 wounded and 324 who were killed, died of their wounds, or missing (presumed dead). How many Newfoundlanders died in the […]

The Gallipoli campaign was the Newfoundland Regiment’s introduction to combat during the First World War. From mid-September 1915 to mid-January 1916, more than 1,000 Newfoundlanders fought in Gallipoli and about 40 members of the regiment died during the campaign. How many Newfoundlanders died in the Battle of the Somme? The losses were devastating. Of the […]

1901: The first trans-Atlantic wireless message was received on Signal Hill. 1927: The coast of Labrador was awarded to Newfoundland. 1934: A royal commission began governing Newfoundland. 1941: Naval and air bases were leased to the United States. What important events happened in Newfoundland in 1867? Newfoundland sent two observers, Ambrose Shea and Frederick Carter, […]

Italian explorer, John Cabot, is famed for discovering Newfoundland and was instrumental in the development of the transatlantic trade between England and the Americas. What did John Cabot do to discover Newfoundland? Under a patent granted by Henry VII in 1496, Cabot sailed from Bristol in 1497 and discovered Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island on […]

The island is named for its 366 shallow ponds. Despite the many ponds, access to safe drinking water has been a long-standing problem for residents of the island. How many rivers are in Newfoundland? twoNewfoundland and Labrador are home to two Canadian Heritage Rivers – the Main River, and the Bay du Nord River. What […]

Petro-Canada, after years of touting Newfoundland as its home away from home, is pulling out of the retail gasoline business on the Rock. Calgary-based Petrocan said yesterday that it has struck a deal to sell its 40 service stations in Newfoundland to North Atlantic Refining Ltd., a St. What happened to Petro-Canada? We merged with […]

Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador/Facebook) Biscuit box houses came later. Named after the rectangular boxes used to ship hard biscuits, they are two-storey houses with gentle sloped roofs. The name saltbox may be commonly used, but finding an actual saltbox home is becoming more rare. Why is it called a saltbox house? Built during […]

Newfoundland and Labrador are home to two Canadian Heritage Rivers – the Main River, and the Bay du Nord River. What is the largest river in Newfoundland? The Exploits River is a river in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It flows through the Exploits Valley in the central part of Newfoundland. Exploits River […]

Labradorite is the provincial mineral for Newfoundland and Labrador. It is found in abundance near the community of Nain. Where does most labradorite come from? Occurrence. The geological type area for labradorite is Paul’s Island near the town of Nain in Labrador, Canada. It has also been reported in Poland, Norway, Finland and various other […]