ST. JOHN'S, the capital of Newfoundland, situated on the east coast of the island, in the peninsula of Avalon, in 33' 54" N., and 52° 4o' 18" W. It is the most easterly city of the American continent. Pop. (1932), mostly of Irish descent and Roman Catholics. It stands on rising ground on the north side of a land-locked harbour, which opens suddenly in the lofty coast. The entrance, known as The Narrows, guarded by Signal Hill (52o ft.) and South Side Hill (62o ft.), is about 1,400 ft. wide, narrowing to 600 ft. between Pancake and Chain Rocks. At the termination of The Narrows the harbour trends suddenly to the west, thus completely shutting out the ocean swell. The port has sufficient water for vessels of 3o ft. draught. There is good wharf accommodation, with a graving and a floating dock.
St. Johns was first settled by Devonshire fishermen early in the 16th century. It was twice sacked by the French, and captured by them in the Seven Years' War (1762), but recaptured in the same year, since when it has remained in British possession.
Both in the War of American Independence and in that of 1812 it was the headquarters of the British fleet. The old city, built entirely of wood, was twice destroyed by fire (1816-1817 and 1846). Half of it was again swept away in 1892, but new and more substantial buildings have been erected, among which the Anglican and Roman Catholic Cathedrals stand out. Education is in the hands of the various religious bodies. St. Johns practically monopolizes the commerce of the island, being the centre of the cod, seal and whale fisheries. The chief industries are connected with the fitting out of the fishing vessels, or with the disposal and manufacture of their catch. Nearly all the commerce of the island is sea-borne. The town imports iron, coal, cattle and general pro duce and exports fish, oil, wood pulp and paper.