A 16th-Century Basque Whaling Station in Labrador

Abstract

This journal article describes the archaeological excavation by Memorial University and Parks Canada, of a sixteenth century Basque whaling station and associated underwater shipwreck, at Red Bay, Laborador. Archaeological and archival evidence indicates that processing (trying, rendering) and coopering (barrel making) activities occurred at the site, and also that the ship may have been the San Juan. This article is a reference for marine archaeology, sixteenth century shipbuilding in Spain, and the early history (exploration, settlement) of Atlantic Canada. -- CCI