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Red Head Cove - History Timeline

1817 – Local tradition has it that this year saw the arrival of the first year-round settler, Richard Hatch (or Hutch), who had visited the cove from Trinity in the past. Family names of other early settlers who probably used the Cove as a summer station before settlement include: Hyde, Quinlan and Rice.

1836 – Census reports two famililes at Red Head Cove with a total population of 14. These are the families of Hatch and Patrick Rice, who live on both sides of the Main River.

1845 – The population increases to 48.

1872 – A road is established between Red Head Cove, Bay de Verde and Old Perlican.

1874 – The population increases to 89. Three of these were born in Ireland.

1901 – The population is 174.

1935 – The population is 240.

1980’s – The inshore fishery is still the largest employer in Red Head Cove, but some residents leave as a result of the declining fish and crab stocks.

1992 – Most of the services are provided to Red Head Cove by the larger surrounding communities, including a cottage hospital in Old Perlican and a central high school in Bay de Verde.