The town is presumed to have been used as a fishing port during the 15th and 16th centuries, but did not have any recorded settlers until the 17th century. By the winter of 1739, there were 152 people living in Twillingate, the "livyers" or permanent settlers - English fishermen and their families from the coast of Devonshire.
The population boomed and the 18th century saw Twillingate become a thriving fishing community, the "Capital of the North." One of the province's oldest seaports, with a lighthouse at Long Point, it became the northern capital and the centre of trade for the Labrador and shore fisheries for two centuries.
For some years prior to the moratorium on northern cod, Twillingate had been a prominent fishing community with fishing and its processing in the local plant the major source of employment in the area. Since the downfall of the fishery many local business people and residents have been diligent in their efforts to promote tourism in the area.
Here is a more complete History of Twillingate.
Here is a link to the Town of Twillingate Home Pages with current (1997-98) information.
Our famous annual summer festival now has a site of its own, so go visit The Fish, Fun, & Folk Festival Homepage for up to date information on an event you don't want to miss.