Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook
The communities of Birchy Head and Shoal Brook take their names from
geographical features, while the community of Glenburnie is a tribute to the
Scottish origins of the first settlers.
These communities are "enclave" communities in Gros Morne National Park. These
communities are not in the park, but are closely tied to the development of park
facilities and tourism.
The community of Glenburnie was not settled until the late 1880s. The first
settler is believed to be Hugh McKenzie, who came to cut wood, but realized the
potential for farming in the area. The early settlers of Shoal Brook came to fish
in the area. Birchy Head was not claimed by any fishermen because of the areas
steep cliffs.
Most of the residents of the area were involved in farming and fishing.
As time exceeded, people moved on to other places, such as
Corner Brook and
Stephenville. Most of the once farmland has now gone to hay or pasture land.
The communities were incorporated as one town in 1978. The population in 1991
was 365 people.