Francois

The community of Francois has a distinctively French name, but it has only ever been known to be settled by the English. The first report of settlers was in 1839. Reverend William Marshall was surveying the coast for settlements and upon arrival here found two dwellings at the base of the cliffs. He pronounced the settlement Bay Francois, meaning a “curious place”. Although spelled “Francois”, the local people commonly pronounce it as “Fransway”.

Although there is no written account of the first settlers, oral history tells us that a man by the name of James Marsden, along with his wife and three children, lived in Francois for six years before anyone else came to settle. He was an Englishman who came to Newfoundland and first settled in English Harbour West. It is believed he came from a place call Castle Cassia, which may have been renamed as it cannot be found on any map. His wife was Rachel Spencer. She came from Rencontre West, another community on the South Coast of Newfoundland.

After the Marsdens, the next to arrive were Samuel Durnford and his family from Cul-de-Sac East. It is widely believed that these were the families who were there when Rev. William Marshall visited. From this account we can establish settlement around 1830.

• Special Features... << more info >>

  Francois is a place of many special features, but two are especially noteworthy.
  Hot Spring & Cook’s Hole
  

• Interesting Facts... << more info >>

  In 1857, the settlement of Francois numbered 35 people in seven families. Newman & Company, a merchant business from Gaultois, Newfoundland, became the first to buy fish from the settlers. In 1870, a lobster
  

• Traditions ... << more info >>

  Francois Day: Each year on the third weekend of August we celebrate “Francois Day”. This is a day packed full of the kind of fun that reflects the spirit of our community. Events include games, mock jail, dory races, dinner and dancing. The whole community takes part and visitors are always welcomed. This day has become one of our greatest traditions.
  

• Demographics  ... << more info >>

  With less than 200 residents, in Francois one could literally get to know every member of the community with a short visit. Our people are industrious and largely self-reliant, our children enjoy freedoms many children can only dream about, and our seniors are held in great respect.

Burgeo

The first Europeans to settle in Burgeo were the French in the late 1700’s. However, a close look along the quieter coves will likely produce evidence, including small stone tools that suggest native cultures occupied the area many centuries before the arrival of Europeans.

The Europeans first took shelter in the smaller harbours and bays along the local coastline but would eventually opt for the benefits of the larger, growing community. The English came to settle there just before the turn of the next century.

...   << more info >>