Why NL's history is entangled with the United States

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewfoundland & LabradorNewfoundland And Labrador Lifestyle Why NL's history is entangled with the United States Americans helped Newfoundland communities during the Great Depression, but Newfoundland has played an important role for Americans too Author of the article: By Nicholas Mercer Published Sep 15, 2026 5 minute read Don't worry, the Americans weren't trying to invade Stephenville for real this summer. They were just being friendly neighbours to the south as the town celebrated its history with the United States Armed Forces. PHOTO BY POSTMEDIA Article content This summer, Helen Griffin has spent plenty of time interacting with American visitors in the Placentia and Argentia area. Article content As a member of the Placentia Area Historical Society, Griffin regularly interacts with her neighbours to the south. Article content Article content Often, these visitors have connections to Argentia — maybe their parents worked at Naval Station Argentia, or they were born in the hospital there, and they’re looking to connect with that piece of their past. Article content Article content “They always wanted to come back and … try to find out some information,” said Griffin. Article content Griffin has a good handle on what she can share with visitors. As a young person when the Americans occupied what is now known as the Port of Argentia, she knows the impact they had on life in that corner of Placentia Bay. Article content Not only did she babysit for American families who needed some extra help and lived off the base in Argentia, but her father went to work at the base in its powerhouse. Article content “I always found them very generous people … and very humble too,” said Griffin. Article content The American naval and army base in Argentia, circa 1943. PHOTO BY ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, QEII LIBRARY Article content How did American bases end up in NL? Article content Aside from the Argentia installation, there is plenty more to the historical connection between the United States and this province. Article content You only need to look at the infrastructure they left behind at the former air force base in Stephenville, the radar station in the hills above St. John’s and a host of others, like the former seaplane base in Botwood. Article content That strong connection starts in 1941 when England…