Bunyan's Cove: Located in a small cove on the south side of Clode Sound, in Bonavista Bay, north of Clarenville, the history behind the evolution of the town's name remains unknown after a great deal of research.

Given its history, one would be tempted to think that it was named after the legendary lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, as it was lumbering (and farming) more than fishing that put the cove "on the map".

According to the ENL sources, "the cove's situation in a heavily-wooded area was near some of the best white birch in eastern Newfoundland".

In addition, the "nearby forest reserves were also an ideal source for boat timbers" and as a result boatbuilding and carpentry were "early occupations".

By the early 1900s the community was well established and by 1911, with a population of almost 200, there were a couple of sawmills in the area.

Much of the lumber being produced was used in the building of the Newfoundland Railway in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In addition, given the relatively arable land, farmers were starting to grow crops, in particular potatoes, cabbage and tumip, for sale.

According to the ENL.com website, Bunyan's Cove had a former name:
[Bunyan's Cove] was one of the latest areas to be settled in Bonavista Bay.

Bunyan's Cove was first settled by George and Joseph Martin and their mother Elizabeth in the late 1800's.

They left Elliston in a small rowboat with the idea of moving further up the bay. They landed in the upper part of Bunyan's Cove which they named "Peter's Cove".

As time went on, more and more people continued to move to Bunyan's Cove, settling in the middle and lower parts of the cove.

Even today, locals still call the upper section of this quaint little community Peter's Cove.

Used with permission from "Uncovering the Origin of 1001 Unique Place Names in Newfoundland and Labrador" 2021 Jennifer Leigh Hill

Address of this page: http://nl.ruralroutes.com/BunyansCove