ST JOHNS, NEWFOUNDLAND

A Charming Historic City

Known as the City of Legends or as stated on our bus as the City of Opportunity, St John’s is Newfoundland’s capital. With a population of 100,000, it is the largest city in the province and also is one of Canada’s windiest cities. Damp  and rainy, fog is frequent and can last for days. No one can believe that we had clear sunny days for our entire visit---the Gods were shining down on us!

The picturesque historic port town has provided shelter for explorers, merchants, soldiers, mariners, and pirates for over 500 years. The waterfront, located in historic downtown, is an easy stroll. Steep hills surround the harbor, but the down town area is relatively level and very walkable. Historic buildings, plaques, and parks depict the city’s history since John Cabot dropped anchor at Bonavista Bay in 1497.

My flight was delayed so when I finally arrived very late afternoon I left my luggage in my hotel room and walked the main streets of Water and Duckworth.

I photographed the 1901 stone Victorian Courthouse between Duckworth and Water Streets. Made of local granite and sandstone, the building was cleaned in 1988. I walked up the many courthouse steps, the pedestrian connection between the two major streets, stopping to observe the site of a 19th century produce market and public gallows. I tried to envision the last public hanging in 1835 when John Flood was hanged for robbing the stagecoach.

The War Memorial was erected in 1924, eight years after a Newfoundland Regiment was decimated at Beaumont Hamel, France during the battle of Somme. It is located at Queen’s Beach where Sir Humphrey Gilbert took possession of the island in 1583. The bronze figures represent Liberty, the Merchant Marine, the Army, Navy and Forestry Corps.

There are always funny stories to be found when traveling. One in Newfoundland concerns the Government House, 1824. It is one of the few buildings in North America to have a moat surrounding it. The governor was also the governor of the Bahamas, and he was building two residences at the same time. The moat was to keep out alligators! Needless to say it was soon filled in. Now the building is the private residence of the Lt. Governor and guest house for members of the Royal Family when they visit the province.

I found St. John’s a charming city and have lots more to share on another day.