Cupids, one of the most significant historic sites in North America, is
preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary in
the summer of 2010. Cupids was settled in 1610 by John Guy.
It is the oldest English colony in Canada and
the second oldest English colony in North
America.
In 1612, an additional group of colonists which
included women arrived. Colonist Henry Crout recorded the birth of a
child to Nicholas Guie and his wife on March 27,
1613. The birth is the first recorded birth of an
English child in Canada.
John Guy built two ships to explore in order to
establish relations with the native Beothuk
population. He was successful in establishing contact with
the Beothuk in 1612.
In 1995, archaeologist Bill Gilbert and his team
began preliminary excavation of a site in
Cupids, which is the location of John Guy's
settlement. Since that time, dibbing has revealed a
fireplace and building foundations plus about
100,000 artifacts dating back to the early
1600's. Discoveries have included an almost complete
Weaterwald drinking cup and a sliver coin from
the reign of Charles II.
The history of the settlement is well documented
through letters and journals written by the
colonists which have been preserved until today. The recorded history is being enhanced by the
many artifacts that have been discovered.
In 2006, the Cupids dig was designated one "Top
Ten Active Archaeological Sites in Canada" by
The Beaver: Canada's History Magazine.
The Cupids Museum and Archaeology Lab display a
number of artifacts found at the ongoing
archaeological project and guided tours are
available.
In addition, the Cupids Museum displays items
from life in fishing and farming community. Exhibits include a postal history of
Newfoundland and an exhibit of school-days in
Cupids and Newfoundland called 'Present, Miss'.
To celebrate the 300th anniversary of Cupids in
1910, the second largest Union Jack in the
British Empire flew for the first time. (At that time Newfoundland was not a province of
Canada, but an independent country.) The original flag has been restored and is on
display at the museum. On special occasions and weekends, a replacement
flag flies.
A fascinating link between Cupids and the
Pilgrim fathers is provided by the Squanto, a
native person from New England, who had been
taken to England, and who was brought to Cupids
in 1618. By 1621, he had been returned to New England ,
and met the Pilgrim Fathers when they arrived at
Plymouth. Imagine their amazement when Squanto spoke to
them in clear English!
Cupids has spectacular walking and hiking
trails. One trail leads to the abandoned communities of
"Deep Gulch" and "Greenland". Another trail climbs to the abandoned community
of "Rip Raps" and to the top of Spectacle Head.
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