About Frenchman's Cove, NL

The First Newfoundland Census, conducted in 1836, is the earliest documented evidence of the community of Frenchman's Cove. Though it was settled prior to this time, the date of settlement is not known. Local folklore and tradition hold that some of the first settlers were Cluetts of French origin. The small boat inshore fishery has been the economic mainstay of the area. Not until the late part of the nineteenth century did men join crews of the Bank fishery schooners, operated from Grand Bank. Residents also practiced agriculture, mostly for subsistence and feed for livestock. The main crops raised were turnips, cabbages, potatoes, and hay. Livestock included cattle, sheep, horses and chickens.