Carbonear Island

Map of Fortification in 1750

Carbonear Island is a small uninhabited island on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada. It is located at the mouth of Carbonear harbour. It became a strategic haven for the British settlers of Carbonear during the raids by the French.

While there is some evidence that the Island may have at some time been occupied by First Nations people, the first documented reference to Carbonear Island was by Thomas Oxford of St. John's in 1679 when he requested that a fortress be erected on the island. In 1696 when Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville had raided most of the settlements in Conception Bay and Trinity Bay, the residents of Carbonear and surrounding towns took refuge on the Island. During the Battle of Carbonear the abandoned town was burned, but the residents were successful in defending the island from capture thanks to fortifications they had erected with their own funds, the earth works walls of which are still evident. It continued to be an important refuge for settlers in the region during subsequent attacks from the French and later by American privateers until the early 19th century.

In 1878, a lighthouse and residence for year-round occupancy was erected on the northeast end of Carbonear Island and was maintained until c. 1928, when it was demolished. Subsequently, an automated light station was installed which is still in use. The Island is now a protected bird sanctuary sheltering various breeds of birds, including the Bald Eagle.

Carbonear Islands military importance was recognized in 1954 when it was designated a site of national significance and in 1981 it was officially declared a national historic site of Canada. The first of a series of excavations began on the island in 2010 to learn more about its role in protecting English North America, and approximately 1300 artifacts were found in the first summer's dig.

External links

• www.carbonearisland.com
• Town of Carbonear website
• www.islandchartertours.com