Circa 1602, Lieutenant Gilbert Pike settled Bristol's Hope. In 1610, the London and Bristol Company established the Colony of Cupids. In 1621, The Colony of Avalon at Ferryland was founded.

Circa 1620 French fishermen settled Newfoundland, near the present day community of La Scie. In 1662 France established Plaisance, The French Capital of "Terre-Neuve". All French rights to Newfoundland were ceded to Britain in 1713. 

From 1583 until 1949 Newfoundland  maintained a seperate political identity from the American colonies, the maritime colonies and Canada.

In 1729 a Governor was dispatched from England to Newfoundland. In 1803 Governor Vice Admiral Gambier recommended self government for the colony. In 1832 Newfoundland was granted representitive government. In 1855 Newfoundland gained self government.

In 1867 the people of Newfoundland voted against Confederation with Canada. Newfoundland would remain a seperate political entity for a further four generations.

In 1931 Newfoundland became a Dominion, of equal status within the British Empire as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. Unfortunatly, the Great Depression hit the Newfoundland economy hard. Economic instability led to political crisis. In 1934 Newfoundland reverted to the status of a crown colony. A Commission to govern the Colony was appointed.

On June 22, 1948 a referendum on the future of the nation was held. Union with Canada won by a very narrow margin.  Newfoundland became a Province of Canada in 1949.