Calvert - Newfoundland and Labrador

Route 10

Coordinates: 47°03′11″N 52°54′39″W / 47.053°N 52.9107°W

Calvert first appeared on Portuguese maps as Rio das patas, meaning goose or auk river. Later English fishermen referred to it as Caplin Bay, presumably after the abundant capelin in the local waters.

However, on January 30,1922 the area was renamed in honour of Sir George Calvert, the first Baron Baltimore and founder of the Colony of Avalon.

Often visited by French, Portuguese and English mariners it was not until the late 1600s that English fishermen began to settle permanently.

• 1620s to 1650s, settlers from the Colony of Avalon at Ferryland arrive and frequent the local fishing grounds.
• 1675, the first census of the area is taken, indicating a total of 20 inhabitants.
• 1697, the French attack and take over the harbour for a short period.
• Late 1700s to early 1800s, prime fishing grounds are claimed by English merchant families.
• 1800s, Irish settlers begin arriving in considerable numbers, they soon outnumber the English.
• 1850 to 1900, local saw milling operations employ many fishermen during the winter months.
• 1901, population increases to 294.
• 1974, small feeder fish plant opens.