Bay Bulls, Newfoundland Labrador, is a quaint fishing town with a rich history and a welcoming community. With a population of 1,566 as of 2021, this small town offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Nestled in a sheltered bay, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland Labrador, has long been a haven for fishermen. Its strategic location, just a few miles from the capital, St. John's, has made it a significant location throughout history. The town's geography has played a crucial role in shaping its unique character and charm.
The history of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland Labrador, is as captivating as its landscape. The town first appeared on a map in 1592, drawn by Thomas Hood. The fortification of the harbour came in 1638 by Governor David Kirke, marking the beginning of its strategic importance.
In 1665, Bay Bulls was raided by Dutch sailors under Admiral De Ruyter. During King William's War, the village was attacked twice. In 1696, Monbeton de St. Ovide de Brouillan, the governor of Placentia, attacked Bay Bulls from the sea, resulting in the scuttling of the English warship HMS Sapphire. Then in 1697, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville marched overland from Placentia and attacked Bay Bulls in the Avalon Peninsula Campaign.
In 1702, Commodore John Leake of the Royal Navy entered Bay Bulls with several Men of War, and received information about the whereabouts of French ships and unprotected settlements around the Avalon Peninsula, which he then attacked. On June 24, 1762, the French led by Admiral d'Arsac de Ternay, 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 cannons 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."
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland Labrador, had a population of 1,566 living in 597 of its 631 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 4.4% from its 2016 population of 1,500. With a land area of 30.6 km2 (11.8 sq mi), it had a population density of 51.2/km2 (132.5/sq mi) in 2021. This small but vibrant community continues to thrive, maintaining its historical charm while looking towards the future.
