Smith Sound, Newfoundland and Labrador facts for kids
Smith Sound is a long, winding waterway in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It stretches for about 24 kilometres. This sound is one of the longest inland water areas in Newfoundland. You can find it on the island's northeast coast.
To the north of Smith Sound is the Bonavista Peninsula. To the south is Random Island. The sound's waters form a continuous channel around Random Island. There's a small break near Clarenville. Here, a causeway was built to connect communities on Random Island. The channel on the south side of Random Island is called North West Arm.
Contents
Exploring Smith Sound's Past
Early Visitors and Settlers
People first visited the Smith Sound area in the 1700s. These were mostly fishermen who came seasonally. Permanent homes started appearing in the 1800s.
On September 5, 1822, an explorer named William Cormack sailed through Smith Sound. He was exploring the region with Sylvester Joe. Sylvester Joe was a guide from the Mi'kmaq people. Cormack later wrote about his travels in 1824.
Growing Communities and Industries
More people settled in Smith Sound between the 1850s and 1870s. Besides fishing, people also worked in sawmills. They also quarried slate, a type of rock. Many towns grew on both sides of the sound.
Some towns changed names or merged over time. For example, King's Cove became Milton in 1910. Sandy Point was renamed Harcourt. Burgum's Cove became Burgoyne's Cove. This was to honor a British general named John Burgoyne.
Smith Sound Today
The Nut Cove Plane Crash (1953)
On the north shore of Smith Sound is Nut Cove. This area was once home to a slate quarry. Later, in 1953, it became known for a sad event. On March 18, 1953, an American Convair B-36 bomber crashed there. This plane was called The Peacemaker. Everyone on board died, including Brigadier General Richard E. Ellsworth.
The plane was flying from the Azores to Rapid City Air Force Base. This base was later renamed Ellsworth Air Force Base. Another plane, a Boeing SB-29 Superfortress, went to look for the crashed bomber. Sadly, this second plane also disappeared. Its crew was never seen again.
Local Industries and Wildlife
Smith Sound is known for its large population of Atlantic cod fish. It's common to find cod that are 14 years old here. The area also has a unique industry: harvesting jellyfish.
The 2003 Frozen Cod Mystery
In April 2003, something strange happened. Thousands of dead cod fish washed up on the shores of Smith Sound. This was about a quarter-million pounds of fish. People called it an ecological disaster. Scientists began to investigate why this happened.
A scientist from DFO, John Brattey, explained some findings. He said the water was the coldest ever recorded in the area. Some cod had a natural "anti-freeze" protein, but others did not. Tests showed the dead cod seemed healthy before they froze instantly. Their organs were frozen solid, even if their flesh was still soft.
Visiting Smith Sound
Smith Sound is a beautiful place to visit.
- Route 232, Smith Sound Road - This road is on the Bonavista Peninsula, on the north side of the sound.
- The scenic Smith Sound Trail - You can find this trail near Britannia.
