Historic Site at Battle Harbour

The Battle Harbour Historic Trust is a registered charity founded in 1990. In 1991, the restoration of Battle Harbour began. Close to twenty historic structures, a series of walkways, wharves and a part of the fish flake are now restored. One of the buildings restored is the St. James Anglican Church which was built in 1852 and restored in 1999. It is the oldest surviving Anglican church in Labrador.

The population increased rapidly in the 1830's, when Newfoundland schooners adopted Battle Harbour as their chief port of call and recognized it as the capital of Labrador. By the late 19th century, Battle Harbour had a permanent population of over 300 people. In the summer thousands of people, in hundreds of schooners, were passing through the area fishing for cod.

Sir Dr. Wilfred Grenfell arrived in Battle Harbour in 1892 and in 1893 established the first hospital. The Battle Harbour hospital was Newfoundland's first hospital outside St. John's. Built on the turn of the century, the doctor's cottage was distinct in Labrador for its unique architectural style which is now reinstated.

Some of the buildings are restored and are now in operation, for example the Staff House is now operating as the Battle Harbour Inn, and the Bunkhouse, Smith House and Grenfell Cottage are available as visitor accommodations. In the Fall of 1997, Battle Harbour was designated as Canada's newest National Historic Site.