Settlement in the town of Carbonear dates back as far as 1620. Within the period of 1675 - 1677, a census was conducted showing a
permanent population of 55. This made Carbonear the third largest settlement in Newfoundland at that time. Today it is a thriving
community of over 6000 inhabitants and has long been recognized as the largest and busiest town in Conception Bay.
Carbonear's name has puzzled students of Newfoundland nomenclature as to its correct derivation. Charbonniere, the French term for
charcoal pot, is generally accepted as the origin. Some authorities have claimed that the name appears in this form on some of the
oldest maps of Newfoundland.
It was a centre of the fishing trade back in the 16th century. The town was taken and burnt by the
French in their raids of 1696 and again in 1705, but the inhabitants retired to an island in the mouth of the harbour and defied all attempts
of the enemy to dislodge them. On both these occasions, Carbonear Island became the only British held soil in Newfoundland. In 1981,
the island was designated a national heritage site. Some ancient cannons that were used to
defend the town can still be seen.
The first permanent settler is believed to have been Nicholas Guy, who arrived around 1630. Though, it is likely that before
this, European fisherman stationed themselves in Carbonear Bay during the summer fishing season.
Evidence of Carbonear's long and colourful past can be seen in its architecture. Nestled among new modern construction, the
tourist can discover homes and buildings reflecting the residents' Irish and English heritage. The Heritage Society offers a guided
walking tour that will take you through one of the best preserved collections of commercial historic buildings in the province.
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