Grand Bank - Chronological History

Chronological History

1640 - French fishermen were said to be in Grand Bank during this time.

1687 - First French Census taken in Newfoundland shows “Grand Banc” with a population of 45 (39 servants, 2 masters, 3 women and 1 child). The first community had one church, 3 houses and 18 muskets.

1693 – Census takers recorded some of the prominent names: Bourney, Commer, Chevallier and Grandin.

1713 - Treaty of Utrecht, France relinquishes its claim to Newfoundland including St. Pierre et Miquelon. The French Population moved to Ile Royale (Cape Breton).

1714 - William Taverner surveys the coast for the English Government.

1763 - Peace Treaty of Paris: French are given St. Pierre et Miquelon, forcing the English population at St. Pierre to relocate to Grand Bank and Fortune Bay. First record of English settlement.

1765 - Captain James Cook mapped out the area and moored his ship at Admiral’s Cove. Came ashore and gathered buds off the small spruce tree to brew beer (excellent source of vitamin C) for his crew.

1836 – Census list 45 dwellings and a population of 236 residents.

1850s - By the end of the 1850s, Grand Bank had a school, a doctor, a judicial system, a postal service and a road system.

1870s - A change in fishing vessel from a shallop to a schooner. With the change in vessel came a change in fishing gear. The trawl was introduced. However, the trawl could not be set directly from the schooner. There was a need for a smaller boat, different from the punt; we have the first appearance of the dory.

1879 - Breakwater and Dredging legislation was passed.

1881 - Bank Fishery began and Samuel Harris’s first season on the banks was a success. In short order, a number of other Grand Bankers with schooners followed (some of which include George Abraham Buffett, Simeon N. Tibbo and Daniel Tibbo). The demand for schooners dramatically increased. There were at one point (1885 & 1886) seven schooners being built in Grand Bank.

1890-1940 – Grand Bank had a fleet of banking and foreign-going ships and earned the distinction “The Bank Fishing Capital” of Newfoundland.

1955 - Modern fresh fish processing plant was built in Grand Bank and the schooners were replaced with modern steel trawlers.

Today, Grand Bank is the home of a shell fishing industry, a modern plant owned by Grand Bank Seafoods (A division of Clearwater Seafoods). It is also home to Dynamic Air Shelters - Manufactures of specialized, inflatable industrial shelters for the oil and gas sector, as well as structures for promotional and ‘first response’ uses.

21st Century Grand Bank boasts many innovative industries and businesses supported by modern infrastructure, a new Hospital, up to date Seniors Complex, Recreational Facilities, and the Community Center. Grand Bank is becoming synonymous with innovation, prosperity and most recently a captivating tourist attraction.