Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Bay Bulls
Bay Bulls in August, 2006
Bay Bulls in August, 2006
Bay Bulls (Newfoundland)
Bay Bulls
Bay Bulls
Location of Bay Bulls in Newfoundland
Coordinates: 47°18′57″N 52°48′37″W / 47.31583, -52.81028
Country Flag of Canada Canada
Province Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador
Settled 1592
Area
 - Total 30.74 km² (11.9 sq mi)
Population (2006)
 - Total 1,078
Time zone Newfoundland Time (UTC-3:30)
 - Summer (DST) Newfoundland Daylight (UTC-2:30)
Area code(s) 709

Bay Bulls (2006 Population 1,078) is a small fishing community in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Located in sheltered bay it has been home to many fishermen and a strategic location in early times as it is located just a few miles from the capital, St. John's.

[edit] History

Bay Bulls first appears on a 1592 map drawn by Thomas Hood. The exact origin of the name is a mystery, however; Bishop Howley believed it was originally named Bay Boulle by Jersey fishermen. Some other variations conjectured that it comes from the common Dovekie Bull-Bird which can be found in the area.

St. Peter and St. Paul Church, showing the "canonized saints"
St. Peter and St. Paul Church, showing the "canonized saints"

Fortification of the harbour came in 1638 by Governor David Kirke. In 1655, Bay Bulls was raided by Dutch sailors under Admiral De Ruyter. In 1696, Monbeton de St. Ovide de Brouillan, the governor of Placentia, attacked Bay Bulls from the sea. Then in 1697 Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville marched overland from Placentia and attacked Bay Bulls. On June 24, 1762 the French lead by Admiral De Terne, landed seven hundred men who occupied Bay Bulls and marched to St. John's. Bay Bulls suffered its last invasion on September 29, 1796 when Admiral Richery attempted to storm St. John's but finding it well defended; he attacked and burned Bay Bulls instead.

In 1890 the Roman Catholic Church, St. Peter and St. Paul was rebuilt. The gate was initially marked by canons left over from the battles with the French, then statues of the Saints were added on top, which gave the famous "Canonized Saints of Bay Bulls."

[edit] Economy

Bay Bulls is a fishing community and was established because of its closeness to the rich fishing grounds on the Grand Banks. Due to its proximity to St. John's the population is becoming more of a bedroom community for people employed there. Bay Bulls has been at the forefront of many strategies such as fish farming and lately servicing the Oil and Gas industry. The Penney Group of Companies has built a repair facility that services the many oil rigs that drill for oil on the Grand Banks. Tourism has become an important part of the community as well. Three whale and bird watching establishments, as well as several bed-and-breakfast places attract visitors from all over the world.

[edit] Culture

Bay Bulls Harbor
Bay Bulls Harbor
Demographics
  Population in 2006     1,078  
  Population change from 2001     6.3%  
  Median age (2001)     37.9  
  Number of families (2001)     285  
  Number of married couples (2001)     210  
  Total number of dwellings (2006)     422  
  Catholic (2001)     86.0%  
  Protestant (2001)     13.0%  
  2006 Land area (km².)     30.74  

Statistics Canada detail demographics follow link here

[edit] See also

[edit] References


[edit] External links

Coordinates: 47°18′57″N, 52°48′37″W