L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site of Canada
Natural Wonders & Cultural Treasures
History
Brief History
Over the years many different peoples inhabited the L'Anse aux Meadows site and many researchers have contributed to our understanding of this important archaeological site. The following is a brief historical summary of this site.
ca. 6000 B.P.
Native peoples began using this location.
ca. 1000 A.D.
Norse Settlement
1500 to late 1800's
Area is visited by French migratory fishermen and possibly Basque whalers.
ca. 1835
The present day community of L'Anse aux Meadows is founded by William Decker.
1914
W.A. Munn of Newfoundland hypothesizes that the Norse landed at L'Anse aux Meadows.
1960
Helge Ingstad visits L'Anse aux Meadows and is shown some overgrown ridges by George Decker, a local resident.
1961-68
Excavations led by Anne Stine Ingstad
1973-76
Further excavations undertaken by Parks Canada
1977
Site is designated a National Historic Site.
September 8, 1978
Site is recognized as one of the world's major archaeological properties and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1984
New Visitor Centre opens.
August 2, 1991
"Vinland Revisited - One Thousand years of Discovery," L'Anse aux Meadows is visited by the Gaia, a replica viking ship on a voyage from Norway to Washington D.C.
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