Labrador Forts

Canadian Forts

LABRADOR

Last Update: 08/AUGUST/2025

NOTE: Labrador has been administered by Newfoundland since 1763 (coastal region) and 1927 (interior region, formerly part of Ungava District, New Québec). Joined Canada in 1949 as part of Newfoundland. The Hudson's Bay Company withdrew from Labrador in 1942, some of the posts were thereafter continued by the Newfoundland government as "Northern Labrador Stores".

Nachvak Post
(1868 - 1906), Nachvak Fiord
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Nachvak was founded in September 1868 by Matthew Fortescue. The post was located in the Bay of Nachvak about 100 miles south of Port Burwell (now part of Nunavut). The post functioned as a trading post, and fishery for cod, trout, seal, and whales. In August 1869 Fortescue was replaced by E. Goldstone. Although the Moravians were in the area in 1868, they decided to move instead of competing with the HBC. However, in 1871 the Moravians, who were beginning to take a more active interest in trading, placed a new mission at Ramah between Fort Lampson and Nachvak. This establishment continued to be competition for Nachvak throughout its duration. John Hobson was the postmaster between 1873 and 1875. In 1876 John Ford became the postmaster. He remained the postmaster, aside from a two year absence between 1886 and 1889, until the post was closed in September 1906. Ford resided at the post with his wife and three children.

Ramah Mission
(1871 - 1908), Ramah Bay
A Moravian Mission and trade post was established here in 1871, closed in 1908.

Fort Lampson
(Torngat Mountains National Park)
(1864/1867 - 1878), Saglek Bay/Fiord
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the head of Branagin's Cove (Aggigiak). Stone foundations and other scattered ruins remain on site.

Donald A. Smith established Fort Lampson in Saglek Bay in August 1867. On August 28 Captain Wood of the "Labrador" and Smith erected a flagstaff on shore and named the post Fort Lampson. In February of the next year, the Moravians erected a house and placed a trader in the immediate area. In October 1874 Keith McKenzie, the clerk in charge of Fort Lampson was withdrawn. When the annual supply boat was delayed, the HBC employees at Fort Lampson came close to starvation. Solomon Lane, a planter, was left at the post and it was decided that the post was only worth keeping as a fishing station. When Solomon Lane died in January 1876, James Lane was employed to continue the fishing business and trading. In the fall of 1877 the small fishing vessel employed in carrying the returns to Nachvak was wrecked. A year later the "Labrador" was sent to remove the returns and to transport all goods belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company to Nachvak. Consequently, Fort Lampson was closed in 1878.

Fort Hebron
(Hebron Mission National Historic Site)
(1926 - 1942), Hebron
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. The nearby Moravian Mission was built in 1829 but not regularly occupied until 1837. It was in use until 1959 when it was ordered closed by the government. Some buildings from the mission complex still remain, most others were destroyed by the elements over time.
See also The Moravian Church in Labrador from Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador

Hebron was established in 1926. The post was located in buildings leased from Moravian missionaries, who had been in the area since 1828. In 1942 Hebron was closed along with the other posts located on leased mission land. The buildings and land were transferred to the Government of Newfoundland.

Okak Post
(Okak National Historic Site)
(1927 - 1928/1933), Okak Island
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. The nearby Moravian Mission was built in 1776, in use until 1919.

Okak was established sometime in the 1920's along the coast of Labrador. It was closed in 1933 and its buildings were demolished.

Nutak Post
(1926 - 1942), Nutak
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover only 1941 - 1942).

Nutak was established in 1926 on the coast of Labrador in buildings leased from Moravian missionaries. In 1942 Nutak was closed along with the other posts located on leased mission land. The buildings and land were transferred to the Government of Newfoundland.

Nain Post
(1926 - 1941), Nain
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. The Moravian Mission was built here in 1771, in use until 1923 when it burned down. This was the Moravian's primary mission station in Labrador.

Nain was established in 1926 on the coast of Labrador. It was housed on land leased from Moravian missionaries, who established their first permanent settlement at the site in 1771. In 1942 Nain was closed along with the other posts located on leased mission land. The buildings and land were transferred to the Government of Newfoundland.

Richard White's Trade Post
(1908 - 1950), White's Harbour
A private trading post located just south of Nain. The premises included a wharf, two other small stores, and locations for unloading supplies. The trading post was also the homestead of the White family. It is currently operated as a museum and was recognized as a Newfoundland Registered Heritage Structure in May 1993. See also Canadian Register of Historic Places || World War One Military Service of Richard White

Zoar Mission
(1864 - 1889), Zoar
A Moravian Mission and trade post was established here in 1864, closed in 1889. Located between Nain and Davis Inlet.

Fort Trial
(1858 - 1861/1896), Voisey Bay
A Hudson's Bay Co. post near the mouth of the Kogaluk River.

Fort Trial was established in 1858 by Peter Warren Bell. It was located along the Labrador coast, north of Kibokok and halfway between Hopedale and Nain. In 1861 Chief Trader Donald A. Smith, who was in charge of the Esquimaux Bay District, instructed John Norton to travel to Fort Trial at the end of April or the beginning of May to ascertain if any Innu had traveled along that part of the coast during the winter or spring. Smith also instructed Norton to remove a barrel of gun powder from Fort Trial to Kibokok. Norton noted in his journal that no Innu had been in the area. By 1896 the post was abandoned.

From 1938-1940 the HBC's Frenchman's Island Post operated an outpost here at Voisy's Bay.

Davis Inlet Post
(1869 - 1928), Davis Inlet
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on an island in the inlet. Originally a trade post of the A.B. Hunt and Company, which was sold to the HBC in 1869.

Davis Inlet was purchased from A.B. Hunt and Company by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1869. The supervisor of Davis Inlet for A.B. Hunt and Company, Edward Adams, was retained. The post was located on Unkusikshalik Island in Davis Inlet off the coast of Labrador near Zoar. Pants Island was also purchased along with Davis Inlet, and John Ford placed in charge of the former.

In 1889 the trade at Davis Inlet increased due in part to the use of a small schooner to take trips collecting furs and fish in surrounding bays. Mr. Olsen proposed to expand the trade to Mokivik Bay near Aillik in a similar manner to Paul's Island. Davis Inlet experienced competition from Moravian missions on all sides. The nearest establishments in 1889 were a summer Newfoundland cod fishing place at Cape Harrigan, Hopedale Mission Station located 40 miles south of the post, and two summer establishments at Windsor Harbour and Turnavik. Davis Inlet interfered considerably with the trade of other posts and districts. For example, in 1888 Aboriginal hunters from North West River travelled to Davis Inlet to trade. The construction of a small store about 40 miles north of Davis Inlet was recommended in 1911 to counter competition from Nain Mission Station. The post was closed when the land and buildings were leased to the Newfoundland Government in 1942.

Tigaraxhook Post
(1838 - 1840's), near Hopedale
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Tigaraxhook was established when the postmaster at Kibokok was given two additional men to set up an outpost in the summer of 1838. The outpost was located about 45 miles to the north at a good location for trade and a seal fishery. David McLaren and two men were stationed there. When the crew of the HBC schooner wintered at Kibokok, William Nourse used the increased help to re-establish the sealing post at Tigaraxhook. John Reid, a planter or free trader, resided there between 1843 and 1845.

Hopedale Post
(Hopedale Mission National Historic Site)
(1926 - 1942), Hopedale (Arvertok)
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at Deep Inlet. The nearby Moravian Mission (Hopedale Mission (2)) was built in 1782, in use until 1926. A circa 1817 Provisions Warehouse, among other buildings, is still extant.

Hopedale was established in 1926 in buildings leased from Moravian missionaries. In 1942 Hopedale was closed along with the other posts located on leased mission land. The buildings and land were transferred to the Government of Newfoundland.

Kaipokok Post
(1838/1843 - 1880), Postville
A Hudson's Bay Co. post in Kaipokok Bay. Originally a trade post operated by others, possibly as early as 1790. In 1836 it was operated by D.R. Stewart, who sold out to the HBC in 1838. The known site has been largely disturbed by road development and the construction of a boathouse in the 1970's. The town's name is derived from the former post.

The Hudson's Bay Company purchased the property and post at Kibokok from David Ramsey Stewart in 1837. Kibokok was about 33 miles above the entrance of Kibicock Bay, situated 120 miles above Esquimaux Bay. There were four salmon fisheries at Kibokok: at the post, at the rapid about half a league above the house, at English River about five leagues below the house, and at Salmon River about five leagues above the house. A seal fishery was conducted in the spring. In 1838 there was only a minor fur trade at the post. In the summer of the same year, Postmaster James Anderson was given two additional men to enable him to establish an outpost at Tigaraxhook, about 45 miles to the north at a good location for trade and a seal fishery. David McLaren and two men were stationed there. In 1841-1842 the crew of the HBC schooner wintered at the post, and Nourse used the increased help to re-establish the sealing post at Tigaraxhook. John Reid, a planter or free trader, resided there between 1843 and 1845. William Cameron drowned while ice-fishing in December 1850 and was replaced by James Grant. Peter McGill was in charge of Kibokok in 1861, when he was succeeded by John Norton, with James McMillan serving as his assistant. After arranging the affairs of the post for the winter, Norton proceeded to Aillik leaving McMillan at Kibokok. Henry Bright was master at Kibokok in 1869. James Scott was at Kibokok in 1872-1872. The post was closed in 1880.

Aillik Post
(1838/1840 - 1876, 1891 - unknown), Aillik
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin in 1855). Located just north of Makkovik. Also spelled Eyelick.

The Hudson's Bay Company opened Aillik around 1838. It was located 150 miles from Rigolet in Labrador and was operated under the Esquimaux Bay District. The post was used for seal hunting, salmon fishing, and trading. However, due to poor returns, Governor George Simpson ordered the abandonment of Aillik in 1840-1841. By 1855 the post was reopened, and until 1870, operated seasonally under the charge of the HBC servant at Kibokok. Thereafter Aillik operated under the authority of the Esquimaux Bay District. The post was closed between 1875 and 1878.

Makkovik Post
(1926 - 1941), Makkovik
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. The Moravian Mission was built here in 1896. The Moravians first attempted to settle here in 1752 (Hoffnungsthal, aka Hopedale (1)), but were killed by the Inuit.

Makkovik was established in 1926 on the coast of Labrador. The post was housed in buildings leased from Moravian missionaries, who had established a mission on the site in 1896. In 1942 Makkovik was closed along with the other posts located on leased mission land. The buildings and land were transferred to the Government of Newfoundland.

Fort Nascopie
(1838 - 1839, 1842 - 1869), Attikamagen Lake, near Schefferville, Québec
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, a subpost of Fort Chimo, Québec.

Erland Erlandson established Fort Nascopie for HBC in 1838 as part of an attempt to set up an internal network of posts to supply Ungava District through Esquimaux Bay. The post was closed in 1839 due to difficulties in traversing and transporting supplies via the George River. John McLean reported that apart from transport difficulties Fort Nascopie was a satisfactory post as the establishment could be maintained at little expense due to the abundance of fish and he regretted the necessity of abandoning it.

John McLean travelled across country to Esquimaux Bay in the summer of 1840 in order to prepare a small outfit to reestablish Fort Nascopie, but the season was too far advanced by the time the vessel arrived at Esquimaux Bay and Fort Nascopie remained closed for another season. In the autumn of 1840 John McLean sent an outfit from Fort Chimo with instructions for it to be taken sufficiently far along the route to the interior to ensure that it would arrive at Fort Nascopie in time to reopen in 1841. Following the discovery of reliable transport routes from Esquimaux Bay, Fort Chimo was abandoned and the Ungava Districts posts (including Fort Nascopie) were moved to the jurisdiction of the Esquimaux Bay District. In 1844 when Mainewan was established as an outpost of Fort Nascopie with Henry Connolly in charge, it was hoped that the outpost would draw in Aboriginal hunters at Ungava Bay to bring their furs and to trade for supplies.

Fort Nascopie began to decline after the second establishment of Fort Chimo in 1866. Aboriginal people preferred trading at Mingan or Sept Iles on the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, or at North West River, since these posts were more accessible. Voyageurs abandoned the post in 1870. The post was closed in 1873 due to difficulties in recruitment, transportation, and maintaining food supplies.

Fort Michikamau
(1840 - 1880), Michikamau Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, a subpost of Fort Nascopie. Also known as Michikamau House (HBC records cover 1845 - 1849). Located near the northwest shore of Michikamau Lake. The lake, about 50 miles above Grand (Churchill) Falls, was incorporated into Smallwood Reservoir in 1971.

Michikamau Lake was established as an outpost of North West River by George Alder with three men, William Linklater, James Brass, and John Gibson in the summer of 1844. The post was established on instructions from William Nourse, chief trader at North West River, to trade with the Innu in the area of Meshikamau Lake in Labrador. After Alder drowned while hunting a deer, he was replaced by Apprentice Clerk Joseph McPherson. Between 1845 and 1846 the post operated in winter by men retiring from North West River. In the same years the schooner "John Spence" was attached to the post. In 1850 the operation was closed due to unproductive trade arising from the migration of Innu hunters to other parts of the country. After the closing of the 1849 outfit, Michikamau Lake was abandoned and all the property was conveyed to Fort Nascopie.

Fort Winokapau
(1845 - 1876), Winokapau Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, a subpost of Fort Nascopie (HBC records cover 1863 - 1874). Also known as Winegabow Post. Also known as New Mingan Post. Burned down soon after it closed. Winokapau Lake is an enlargement of the Hamilton (Churchill) River about 50 miles below Grand (Churchill) Falls.

The Hudson's Bay Company established Winokapau in September 1863. The post was built at the mouth of the Elizabeth River on Lake Winikapau on the Lower Churchill River and was accessible from Mingan via the Saint-Jean River. Winokapau was under the authority of the Esquimaux Bay District. The post was used primarily as a fur trading post and in 1864 furs were taken to North West River. With the establishment of posts on Ungava Bay the HBC abandoned Fort Nascopie and Winokapau. Abandonment of Winokapau was recommended in 1874. The post was finally closed in 1876 and was destroyed by fire soon after.

Gull Island Post
(1841 - 1870 ?), Gull Island
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Hamilton (Churchill) River, about 50 miles west of Goose Bay.

Gull Island opened as an outpost of Sandy Banks in 1841. It was located on Gull Lake, a part of the Lower Churchill River. George McKenzie was the postmaster at Sandy Banks and may have closed Gull Island the same year it was opened. In 1844 there was one man stationed at Gull Island. During the 1869-1870 season Gull Island may have been operated as a wintering post.

Sandy Banks Post
(1836 - 1879 ?, 1895 - unknown), near Goose Bay
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the north bank of the Hamilton (Churchill) River, just west of Goose Bay, and about 40 miles west of North West River. The site was archaeologically recovered in 2015-2017, prior to the scheduled impoundment of the Muskrat Falls Reservoir beginning in 2017. Several artifacts were found at what was determined to be a four-structure complex.

Sandy Banks was opened as an outpost of North West River and was intended to intercept trappers traveling down the Churchill River in 1836. It was located near the rapids of the Grand (or Hamilton) River. An outpost from Sandy Banks was maintained at Gull Island between 1841 and 1842. Between 1844 and 1845 the removal of Sandy Banks outpost to Winegabow Lake was planned but the post continued to be maintained. It was closed between 1845-1846. The post was reopened by 1876 and closed again in 1877.

Grand River Post
(1836 - unknown), Goose Bay
An independent British trade post.

Mud Lake Post
(1906 - 1935), Mud Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at the mouth of the Hamilton (Churchill) River.

Mud Lake opened as an outpost of North West River in 1906. Located in central Labrador, the outpost was in operation at least until 1935.

Kenomish Post
(1799 - 1836), Lake Melville
An independent British trade post on the south shore of Lake Melville at or near the mouth of the Kenamu River. Bought out by the HBC in 1836 and closed.

An HBC salmon fishery was later operated at Kinnomish in 1846 and 1849.

Kinimish Post
(1836), Lake Melville
An independent British trade post on the south shore of Lake Melville just below the earlier Kenomish Post.

North West River Post (1)
(1784 - 1837 ?), Sheshatshit
An independent British trade post.

North West River House / Post (2)
(1836 - 1942), North West River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records to 1920). Also known as Lake Melville Post and Fort Smith. The Labrador Heritage Society operates the Labrador Heritage Museum in the former 1923 HBC store (admission fee). See also History of North West River from Town of North West River

A French trading post, known as Fort Esquimaux Baie was established here by Louis Fornel in 1743. Another French post here later was Fort Montagnais Point (1757). An English trader wintered here in 1777 at the ruins of the French post.

North West River was established as Fort Smith by Simon McGillivray Jr. on behalf of the Hudson's Bay Company in December 1836. McGillivray had been instructed to establish this post in opposition to a post managed by David Ramsay Stewart and Mr. Comeau. Private traders had been operating in the area since 1743 when Jean Pilote and son erected a post near Hamilton Inlet or Esquimaux Bay on behalf of Louis Fornel. Originally named Fort Smith, after the HBC secretary, the name was changed to North West River in 1837. The post was located on Esquimaux Bay at the outflow of Lake Michikamau.

In 1838 the headquarters of Esquimaux Bay District was transferred from Rigolet to North West River in favour of the better climate. Vegetables, coarse grains, and some small fruits were successfully cultivated. In the same year the principal fur returns for Esquimaux Bay District came from North West River and a salmon fishery was conducted at the post. Donald A. Smith was sent to North West River as an assistant to Chief Trader William Nourse in May 1848. He remained at the post for twenty-one years, becoming Chief Trader of the Esquimaux Bay District in 1852. While at North West River he increased the salmon trade, built roads, raised cattle, and cultivated seven acres of land. When Lampson, Aillik, and Kibokok were closed in the 1870s, North West River began to decline in importance and the district headquarters was moved back to Rigolet. Equally important in bringing about the decline was the fact that the Naskapi and Montagnais First Nations were increasingly trading on the north side of the St. Lawrence rather than at North West River.

In 1960 the post became a store and continued in operation until 1987 when the Northern Stores Department was sold to Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later The North West Company).

North West River Outpost (3)
(1836 - unknown), Grand Lake
An outpost of the HBC's Fort Smith located along the north shore of Grand Lake.

Grand Lake Post
(1850 - unknown), Grand Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the head of Grand Lake at the mouth of the Naskaupi River.

Shabiskasho Post
(1837 - unknown), Lake Melville
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the north shore of Lake Melville.

Mulligan Post
(1836 - unknown), Lake Melville
An independent British trade post located on the north shore of Lake Melville.

Cul-de-Sac Post
(1845 - 1846), Hamilton Inlet
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the north shore of Hamilton Inlet, southwest of Rigolet.

Cul de Sac was established sometime in the 1830's as a trout and salmon fishery attached to Rigolet, which was 10 miles away. It was in operation at least until the 1850's.

Rigolet Post
(1743 - 1763 ?, 1788 - unknown, 1836 - 1956), Rigolet
Originally a French fur trade post built by Louis Fornel. In 1788 it became an independent British trading post. It was bought out by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1836. The HBC Net Loft was built in 1876 and used commercially until 1989. It was restored and opened as a museum in 2002. See also Canadian Register of Historic Places

The Hudson's Bay Company established a post at Rigolet in 1836 to oppose David Ramsey Stewart, who had recently commenced trading in Esquimaux Bay. The post was located 40 miles from the entrance of Hamilton Inlet in the narrows of Lake Melville. Rigolet was established as the principal salmon fishery and the district headquarters of Esquimaux Bay District. Trading had been ongoing in the area since Louis Fornel claimed the property four miles east of Rigolet for the French Crown in 1743. In 1837 the HBC bought Ramsey's properties at Rigolet, North West River, and Kibokok. A store was subsequently established at Rigolet. The headquarters was transferred to North West River in 1838 until 1875 when it was returned to Rigolet. In 1838 Rigolet had fisheries at Cul de Sac, Summer's Cove, Gourdeau's Point, Turners Bight, Grassy Cove, Palliser's Point, and Mullin's Cove. Also, Collingham's Harbour, nine miles below the post, belonged to J.B. Jourdin but was operated by the HBC.

Rigolet remained the headquarters of the Esquimaux Bay District until 1880. Hunters and settlers around the post fished during the summer and trapped during the winter. There were about 80 traders at Rigolet in 1886. In the late 1880's returns at the post consisted primarily of salmon and oil. The greatest opponent to the post at this time was McConnell from Newfoundland. The fox trade was also another source of income at Rigolet and like the salmon fishery, the numbers of foxes fluctuated throughout the years. The majority of competition at the post challenged the salmon fishery and not the fur trade. The post relied on the use of ships because it was surrounded by water and the salmon fishery generated the largest source of income for the post. In the late nineteenth century transportation to and from Canada was possible only by ship. Vessels were required for salmon and cod fishing and for travelling around the area to trade. Similarly, supplies were carried to North West River and returns at North West River were brought to Rigolet by way of ship. Teams of dogs were also used for travelling purposes and for hauling fuel, water, and supplies. The mail packet was carried from Rigolet to Cartwright and north to Makkovik by dog team into the 1930's. Rigolet was isolated, especially in the winter because most of the customers lived away in various bays and coves. The range and variety of merchandise at the post was very limited. In the 1950's the HBC attempted to attract tourists and anglers for wildfowl shooting, fishing, and boating to Rigolet. The post continued on as a fishing post although a number of fishermen continued to trap during the fall and winter season. Fresh and pickled salmon were shipped from the post. In 1961 the Hair Seal accounted for more than three quarters of the fur collection.

Throughout the 1980's the HBC struggled with the community over the prices of food and fuel in the store at Rigolet. In 1981 the HBC bowed to pressure and lowered stove oil and gasoline prices at Rigolet. In 1983 the people at Rigolet presented a petition to the House of Assembly in Newfoundland complaining about the extremely high food prices at the HBC store and calling for a subsidy on foodstuffs flown into the community. Rigolet was operated until the Northern Stores Department was sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later The North West Company) in 1987.

Rigolet Battery
(1941 - 1944), Rigolet
The Canadian Army emplaced a two-gun 75mm AMTB battery here to protect the harbor entrance to Goose Bay. The Canadians built an airbase at Goose Bay in 1941 for the defence of Newfoundland and Labrador, which was also jointly used by the United States beginning in 1942.

Fort Cartwright
(1775 - 1786), Cartwright
A British fur trade post built by Capt. George Cartwright in the spring of 1775.

Cartwright Post
(1860/1873 - 1942), Cartwright
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Cartwright was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company from A.B. Hunt & Company together with Grady Harbour, Sandhill, and Round Island in 1873. The post was located on the east shore at the entrance to Sandwich Bay, Labrador. Cartwright was named after George Cartwright (1739-1819) who established Sandwich Bay. The principle industry at the post was the salmon fishery. Although fur-bearing animals were scarce at the post, the HBC traded for furs as well. Cartwright had fishing posts at Eagle River, Paradise, and Sandhill. Salmon was pickled and preserved at Cartwright and preserved in tins at Eagle River. In the late nineteenth century it was noted that the salmon were in decline. A combination of ice in early spring and the great number of cod traps employed by the Newfoundland fishers in the outside bays prevented the salmon from reaching the HBC traps in nearby rivers.

Cartwright was situated close to the Grenfell Mission which included a hospital and a school on the other side of the post. In 1929 the Grenfell Association sold its fur farm at Muddy Bay to the HBC because the farm was too far away from Cartwright for the Association. Although the fur trade declined in the twentieth century the salmon fisheries remained an important part of the HBC's business at Cartwright and to the other Labrador posts. After the second World War the establishment at Cartwright became a retail store. The store continued in operation until 1987 when the Northern Stores Department was sold to Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later The North West Company).

East River Post
(1774 - unknown), near Paradise River
A trade post built by Capt. George Cartwright.

Paradise Post
(1775 - unknown), Paradise River
A trade post built by Capt. George Cartwright.

Eagle River Post
(1857 - unknown), Sandwich Bay
An independent British trade post at the mouth of the Eagle River.

Grady Harbour Post
(1874 - 1879), Grady Harbour
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Previously an independent British trade post before it was bought out by the HBC in 1874.

Grady Harbour was purchased together with Cartwright and Round Island from A.B. Hunt in 1873. Grady Harbour was supervised from Cartwright and used as a cod fishing establishment. The post was abandoned along with boats and fishing gear in 1880.

Frenchman's Island Post
(1928 - 1940), Frenchman's Island
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1928 - 1932).

Frenchman's Island was established in 1927 on an island of the same name off the coast of Labrador. The post buildings and land were purchased from the estate of the Hon. Philip Templeman who formerly operated a cod fishery at this site. From 1938-1940 Frenchman's Island operated an outpost at Voisy's Bay. The post closed in 1940.

Fort Carlton
(1794 - unknown), Temple Bay
One of four small British wooden blockhouses here, for protection against French naval raids. The others were Forts Wallace (at bay entrance), Sheffield (fronting the bay), and Charlotte.

Fort Charles
(1735 - 1767 ?), Cape Charles
A French trading and fishing post. Became a British post after 1763, for at least four years.

Fort York
(1767 - 1796), Château Bay
A British military fort built on the site of the French Fort Baie-Château (1740 - 1763). A wooden blockhouse (Fort Pitt) (with a 20-man garrison) was previously built here at Pitt's Harbour in 1766. The post was attacked by American privateers in 1778. It was later destroyed by its defenders after the French attacked in 1796. The North West Co. operated a fishing station here after 1788. Ruins of the fort's earthen/stone ramparts are still extant.

Fort Red Bay
(1713 - 1763, 1788 - unknown), Red Bay
Originally French Fort Baie-Rouge built by Pierre Constantin, rebuilt in 1719 and again in 1721 after it was destroyed by local Inuit. Temporarily abandoned after 1735, but back open by 1748. Constantin died in 1751. The post was used by the North West Company after 1788 as a fishing station.

The Basques, Bretons, Normans, and Portuguese established several fishing and whaling stations on the southern Labrador coast after 1504. They were occupied every summer throughout the 16th century, up until about 1620 at the latest. Known whaling and fishing stations of the period include Carroll's Cove, Pleasure Harbour, Château Bay, Red Bay, St. Modeste, and L'Anse-au-Loop, and probably other sites as well. There were also several other known such stations on the Québec North Shore (see also). Increasing Inuit hostility after 1560, and other factors, gradually forced the Europeans to abandon the Labrador coast and relocate to Newfoundland or elsewhere. See also Red Bay National Historic Site from Parks Canada || Canadian Register of Historic Places

Rivière des Français Post
(1715 - 1760 ?), Pinware, or East St. Modeste ?
A French fishing post built by Pierre Constantin. Some protection (?) was here in 1748 to guard against poachers. The village of East St. Modeste (aka Petit Saint-Modet) has been abandoned since the 1950's.

Fort Grand Saint-Modet
(1732 ?/1735 - 1848 ?), West St. Modeste
A French post for fishing and seal hunting. Originally built by Pierre Constantin. The "Old French Fort" site was excavated in 2003 and 2005. See also Inside Newfoundland and Labrador Archaeology

L'Anse-au-Loup Post
(1710 - 1756 ?, 1788), L'Anse-au-Loup
A French fishing post at Schooner Cove. The North West Co. briefly operated a fishing station here after 1788.

Fort La Forteau
(1710 - 1763, 1788 - unknown), Forteau
A French trade post at Forteau Bay. Attacked by Inuit in 1716. The North West Co. operated a fishing station here after 1788.

L'Anse-au-Claire Post
(1752 - 1761 ?), L'Anse-au-Claire
A French fishing post.

Canadian WWII Air Defence Radar Stations
(1942 - 1945), various locations
The Royal Canadian Air Force - North Atlantic Region (RCAF Group 1) operated several air defence radar stations in the defence of Newfoundland, in tandem with the United States military. The Chain Home Low early warning radar was employed at each location. Initially the stations were called "Radio Detachments" and in 1943 the title "Radio Unit" was adopted. The term "RADAR" was not adopted by Canadians until late 1943. The RCAF radar sites in Labrador were located at Spotted Island (never went operational) (located in Rocky Bay, southeast of Grady Harbour), and Brig Harbour Island (east of Holton).

Labrador was first sighted by Europeans (Norse Vikings) in 985. The coastal region south of Nain was known as Markland (Wood Land) to the Vikings circa 1001 - 1347, although no settlements are known to have been attempted there. The first recorded contact between Europeans and the Native Americans/First Nations took place near Lake Melville circa 1002. It did not go over too well, for either side.

NOTE: Many of the Hudson's Bay Company post descriptions are courtesy of the HBC Archives.

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