Long Island

Long Island is the home of two communities - Beaumont and Lushes Bight. Long Island received its name from the land structure which is approximately nine miles long and three miles wide. Natives are a part of Long Island's history as well. There are two places on Long Island, North China Head and Chipman's Hill, where relics from Micmac and Beothuk settlement have been found. A lavish fishing ground brought hardy folk to Long Island in the early years. Looking at Long Island, one wonders how it survived the resettlement plan. A group of small communities, with little or no modern conveniences, it is a mystery why residents did not want to locate elsewhere. Long Island, though, was their home with a unique society and culture. Both of these communities were built around the fishery. A 5 minute ferry crossing at Pilley's Island will take you to Long Island. Long Island is a glimpse into the outport lifestyle.

Long Island is an island in western Notre Dame Bay, so named for its shape: it is 12.5 km in length it is less than 2 km wide. On its west shore, Long Island widens to over 6 kms and rises to 220 m. It is one of the largest of several sizable islands in the area -- Triton and Brighton islands, Pilley's Island, Sunday Cove Island and Little Bay Islands . A number of smaller islands surround Long Island. Off the western shore are Grassy Islands, Oil and Lewis islands and Flint Islands; to the north Gull Rock, Middle Islands, Gunning Rocks, Bread Box, Stag and Duck islands; to the northeast Indian, Seal, Giles and Otter islands. The waters contains many rocks and shoals making it necessary for a lighthouse that has operated since 1904 at Southern Head. Pigeon Island lies off the southern shore in Long Island Tickle. In 1991 a provincial ferry, Island Joiner, operated across the Tickle's narrowest section to Pilley's Island.

Local History

Settlement of Long Island began in the early 1800's when fishermen from other communities to the east moved there in winter. The earliest record of permanent settlers was 1836. At this time there was a total of 14 people living on the island. At first they settled in the numerous coves on Long Island. Eventually the people settled in three communities - Lushes Bight, Cutwell Arm and Wards Harbour - all on the northern part of the widest section of the Island. These communities were incorporated in 1968 under Lushes Bight- Beaumont-Beaumont North.