St. John's, Newfoundland

This stamp commemorated the city of St. John's on the centennial of its incorporation. On 24 June 1497, John Cabot made the first recorded visit to St. John's, coinciding with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Canada's most easterly city now celebrates this day as a civic holiday. After its initial discover, St. John's developed slowly, first by fishermen who harvested its fine harbour. Then in 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert left a marker claiming Newfoundland for England. During the 1600's, permanent settlements were established and the population grew. Life wasn't easy. Fires were a recurring hazard plaguing the city, and extensive reconstruction was often required. Several particularly disastrous fires occurred during the period 1816-19, in 1846, and again in 1892. Nevertheless, in 1832 St. John's was made the seat of government for the colony. Since then, St. John's has played a role on both the local and international stage. Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless message in 1901 at St. John's. Alcock and Brown departed from St. John's on the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. And during the two World Wars, St. John's was strategically important to the Allied war effort. Today, this vibrant city dominates the economic and cultural life of its province. It is the commercial centre for a variety of industries, a major international ocean port and still provides the base for Newfoundland's famous fishing fleet. Montreal graphic designer Louis-André Rivard created this stamp, which shows a view of St. John's harbour entrance and skyline. The view is as if seen from a ship entering the well known "Narrows" at dusk. The distinctive navigation lights - familiar sights to the local seafaring population - serve as your guide.