by cseeman

Over 4300 archaeological digs in Newfoundland and Labrador provide a unique insight into the fascinating history of the Newfoundland province, which includes the well-known tourist attraction L’Anse aux Meadows.

L’Anse aux Meadows, located at the northernmost tip of the island, is the only confirmed Viking site in North America. Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, discovered the site in 1960. In 1978, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The discovery confirmed that Vikings reached North America around 1000 CE, 500 years before Columbus. Leif Eriksson may have also been present at this settlement. The site includes reconstructions of three Norse buildings, with exhibits showcasing the Viking lifestyle, artifacts, and the archaeological discovery process.

In addition to the European settlement, evidence of at least five or six distinct indigenous occupations has been identified at L’Anse aux Meadows. The oldest occupation dates back around 6,000 years, while the most prominent was by the Dorset people, who preceded the Norse by approximately 210 years.

The Colony of Avalon archaeological dig at Ferryland (about 70 km south of St. John’s, open mid-June to mid-October) explores the settlement of Sir George Calvert, who later became Lord Baltimore. His wife, Lady Baltimore, was the first Canadian female entrepreneur. Calvert established a colony in Ferryland in the early 1600s. However, after a few harsh winters and other hardships, he sought a warmer climate in Maryland.

Following Lord Baltimore’s departure, Sir David Kirke took over the settlement. Later, the Dutch arrived and destroyed the town. Today, archaeologists have uncovered numerous artifacts at the site. Visitors can observe the ongoing excavation and receive an interpretation of the structures yet to be uncovered. They can also visit the on-site archaeology laboratory, with the most impressive finds, including rare Beothuk artifacts, displayed in a nearby visitor center.

Discoveries at Red Bay, a Labrador inlet, focus on the story of Basque whalers who operated in the area between 1530 and 1600. These whalers from France and Spain processed whale meat and blubber at Red Bay. A Memorial University team has led excavations at this location, discovering the shipwreck of the San Juan, which sank in Red Bay in 1565.

The Deer Lake Beach site, excavated in the 1990s by David Reader, includes two communal buildings linked to the island’s indigenous people, the Beothuks. A site at Back Harbour on Twillingate Island is the burial ground of a pre-Beothuk culture. This burial ground was discovered in 1963, with the initial find uncovering 34 stone artifacts. Some of these historical items are exhibited at the Twillingate Museum.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME