Cape Spear 2

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Since our last visit to Cape Spear in 2003, many changes had been made. Boardwalks are now available for strollers or wheelchair access. More signs have been added to give information.

Although Newfoundland was inhabited by Europeans for at least two centuries it wasn't until September 1836 that a lighthouse began operating at Cape Spear. A lighthouse has continued to operate since that time. The original Cape Spear lighthouse was the second lighthouse built in Newfoundland; the first was built in 1810 at Fort Amherst, at the entrance to St. John's Harbour. The first lightkeeper at Cape Spear was Emmanuel Warre. After his death James Cantwell was appointed by the government to take his place. Members of the Cantwell family have tended the light ever since. The older lighthouse is the squat, square structure and the newer lighthouse is tower-shaped.

During the Second World War, Cape Spear was used to defend against German U-boards, submarines and raiders. To accomplish this, two US 10-inch M1888 guns on M1894M1 disappearing carriages were transferred from Fort Mott, New Jersey, and installed in what was to become Fort Cape Spear. The mission was to protect the entrance to St. John's Harbour and the military convoys forming just outside the Harbour entrance. In addition to the gun placements, underground passages to magazine and equipment rooms, barracks, mess halls and canteens were built.

In 1943, a radar station utilizing SCR-271 radar equipment was established at Fort Cape Spear by an agreement between the American Army and British government. It was manned by about 50 men from the 685th Air Warning Company. In November 1944, the unit was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force who titled the complex as No 42 RU. In April 1945, the roster showed 37 personnel and shortly thereafter the fortifications were demolished except for the gun emplacements which are now utilized for summer concerts.

There are beautiful wildflowers in this area; these are snapdragons.

Cape Spear as viewed from St. John's Harbour.