New World Island facts for kids
New World Island is a lovely island located in Notre Dame Bay, which is a large bay off the coast of Newfoundland. This island is part of the Canadian province called Newfoundland and Labrador. It's known for its pretty coastal views and friendly communities.
Connecting to the Mainland
New World Island is not completely surrounded by water. It is connected to the main island of Newfoundland by a special road called a causeway. A causeway is like a bridge built over shallow water or wetlands. This makes it easy for people and vehicles to travel between New World Island and the rest of Newfoundland.
Island Communities
Many small towns and villages are found on New World Island. These communities are home to people who often work in fishing or other local industries. Some of the well-known places on the island include:
- Summerford
- Virgin Arm-Carter's Cove
- Fairbanks-Hillgrade
- Moreton's Harbour
- Newville
- Cobb's Arm
- Herring Neck
You can also find several smaller fishing villages, especially on the western side of the island. These villages often have a strong connection to the sea.
How the Island Got Its Name
Have you ever wondered why it's called "New World Island"? There's an interesting idea about its name! Many people believe the name celebrates an important journey made by an explorer named Giovanni da Verrazzano.
Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian explorer who sailed for France. In the years 1523 and 1524, he explored parts of the coast of North America, including areas near Newfoundland. At that time, many Europeans were trying to find a sea route to Asia. Verrazzano's trip helped show that the land he explored was a completely new continent, not part of Asia. This new continent became known as the "New World." So, the island's name might be a way to remember this important discovery!
See also
