Forteau

The name Forteau reflects the early French presence in the harbour. Its name means “strong water”, referring to the tides in the area. Long before the Europeans arrived in the region, there is evidence that from pre-historic times aboriginal people were attracted to the harbour. When Europeans were drawn to the area’s marine resources in the 16^th century, Forteau became a Basque whaling station. In the early 1700s Forteau was part of the first commercial concessiongranted by New France. The French had to share the resources with the estimated 400 Inuit were living seasonally in the Forteau area. In addition, the French migratory cod fishery, sailing from Breton and Norman ports, also utilized the harbours and fishing grounds nearby. It was a central location for French economic activity in the Labrador Straits until France lost control of the region in 1763. After that, it did not take long before Forteau became the largest English fish and fur station in Labrador. The stations were year round operations that focused the cod, salmon and seal fisheries. The control of resources by English mercantile firms discouraged independent fishermen from moving into the area until the early 1800s.

In 1774 a Jersey-based merchant, started a very successful fishing business in Forteau that drew fishermen and workers from other Channel Islands and western England. Eventually shore workers and craftspeople attached to the fishing stations became the foundation for a permanent settlement, especially after 1820. Today Forteau is one of seven towns along the Labrador Straits; it provides services for the whole region.