Miquelon

Miquelon lies south of Newfoundland in the cold North Atlantic, where islands and surrounding banks connect local shores with some of the world's important fishing waters. Limited agricultural resources make the sea especially significant to settlement. Cod fishing, processing, provisioning, and boat work support communities, while fog, storms, currents, and shoals require experienced navigation. Safe anchorages and supplies matter greatly to vessels operating far from their home ports.

European fishing fleets used the Newfoundland region, and Miquelon and neighbouring Saint Pierre became associated with French fishing interests. The islands came under British control in 1713 and returned to France in 1763. Acadian deportees found refuge there and relied on fishing and services for visiting fleets. In 1778 a British attack led to the deportation of the islanders; France regained the islands in 1783. Their history reflects the impact of Atlantic wars on a small community tied to the fishery.

The later city of Saint-Pierre lies here.