Between 1815 and 1904 the French Shore ceased to be a wholly Anglo-French issue as Newfoundland gained representative (1832) and responsible (1855) government and began to challenge France's claim to exclusive use of the shore. Settlement radiated west in the 1800s and the colony pressed its claims to a concurrent fishery. Despite numerous conventions and commissions, it was not until the Anglo-French Convention of 1904 that France ceded all fishing rights, except for an equal summer fishery and the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Though the French Shore disappeared, its influence is still felt in some areas, in the language, music and folk culture as well as in modern place-names.
Author JANET E.M. PITT
Links to Other Sites
Francophones of Newfoundland and Labrador
Search for or browse topics and locations at this extensively illustrated online exhibit that explores the enduring legacy of early French settlers and fishers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Features many historic images of the Placentia region. From the Virtual Museum of Canada.
The French Treaty Shore
A brief history of the French Shore in Newfoundland and Labrador. From the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage website.
The French Shore
This website offers an extensive collection of images, naval hydrographic charts, and other archival material representing the communities which reside along the French Shore. Part of "The Rooms" website.
Check out the colourful history of the French Shore communities of Conche, Croque, Grandois/St. Julien's and Main Brook.
French Shore Interpretation Centre
Information page about the French Shore Interpretation Centre from the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A Celebration Year for Francophones in Newfoundland and Labrador
An article about the history of the Francophone communities in Newfoundland. From the website for the Newfoundland Quarterly.
A Survey of the French Shore
A brief report about a survey of the Baie Verte Peninsula section of the historic French Shore. From the website for the Newfoundland Historic Trust.