The seaport town of Lewisporte is situated at the head of Burnt Bay in the Notre Dame Bay in a well-protected harbour. Settlers first arrived in Lewisporte, previously named Burnt Bay and Marshville, in 1887 and engaged in the prosperous fishing, logging, and ship building industries. Lewisporte is named for Lewis Miller, an enterprising Scotsman who operated a logging company in central Newfoundland. Millertown, another community in this region is also named for him.

The first European settlers were attracted to the area by the huge stands of birch, spruce and pine, which graced the shores. When the pioneer of Lewisporte, Robert Woolfrey, first settled here, the stands of white pine were so thick that his 25-year-old son, William George, got lost on his way to Woolfrey's Pond. The white pine was once the most important and abundant tree in Newfoundland. It was valued for use in ship and boat building, construction and cabinetwork and is celebrated in the Ode to Newfoundland. "...when sun-rays crown thy pine clad hills." Today, due to intense logging, the white pine blister rust (a fungal disease introduced from Europe), and possibly due to gradual climate change, white pines are few and far between.

Lewisporte is the ‘Gateway to the North’ because of its extensive freight and passenger service providing a link between Newfoundland and Labrador. It had its first railway station established in 1900 at Notre Dame Junction, just six miles to the south. With the railway station established, a sawmill operation made Lewisporte a shipping location. This saw milling company, Timber Estates Limited, was a major impetus for growth in the town. The sawmills produced more than all other Newfoundland sawmills combined and Lewisporte had its name derived from the owner of Timber Estates Ltd., Lewis Miller.

By taking advantage of the natural resources, population base, and strategic location, a variety of industries established themselves in Lewisporte. Imperial Oil and other oil companies began their operations in the community and harbour facilities were constructed to provide docking and large storage facilities.

During the war years, Lewisporte was an important base of operations for the Canadian Forces. Gander's strategic location as a ‘jumping off’ point for flights going to Europe brought a larger population to Lewisporte. Approximately three army sites were constructed in Lewisporte to protect the oil supply lines to Gander. By the end of the war there were 150 families and a population of 821. Rapid commercial and residential growth after the war has converted and swallowed nearly all evidence of military presence.

Lewisporte's population and size have increased as the town's transportation and distribution function became more important. In 1947, Lewisporte Wholesalers began operations, then in 1949 Steers Limited began their wholesale business in the community. Both the companies acted as suppliers for the entire province. Following these major companies came others who eyed the community as a main distribution centre. The town was incorporated 1946 and by 1976 the population had increased from 821 to 3200. In the 1950's and 60's the community made rapid advancements. Water and sewage systems, a high school, a water reservoir, a Canadian National shed and wharf, paved streets, and a local newspaper was added to the town. In 1965, a marine haul out and service centre was established, which served as a wintering and maintenance facility for tuna boats, recreational craft, inshore fishing boats, and other local boats.

Lewisporte has grown from 1965 to a population of nearly four thousand people. Modern banking, financial, legal, and medical services have become evident along with a healthy restaurant, hotel, and retail trade. Playgrounds and ball parks, along with the ice stadium have provided many recreational activities. Distribution has been the life blood of the community and has served to make Lewisporte the hub of Newfoundland and Labrador.

1876	Settled by Woolfrey’s
1892	Mr. Charles Moyles opened the first store
1895	Mrs. Marian Woolfrey opened the first school in her home
1899	First railway tracks from here to Notre Dame Junction were laid
1906	The material for the Grand Falls Mill passed through Lewisporte
1914	The first United Church (St. Matthews) was built
1920	Mr. Allan Frampton has the first radio
1929	First barber shop operated by Mr. Ern Small First resident doctor - Dr. Knapp
1932	The first car in Lewisporte, owned by Mr. Thomas Woolfrey
1938	Imperial Oil Company began operations
1939	Shell Oil began operations
1941	The Cape Company started construction of three army sites to protect the oil route from Lewisporte to Gander Airport
1944	The first theater was opened by Mr. E. Bursey
1945	A regional Library was formed
1946	On June 19th the Town of Lewisporte was incorporated. Mr. Albert Anstey was the first mayor.
1947	Lewisporte Wholesalers began operations
1949	Steers Limited began their wholesale business
1951	Water and sewage systems were installed in the town
1956	The first amalgamated High School was opened
1957	The present water reservoir was built
1958-59	A new CNR shed and wharf were built at a cost of $2.5 million
1959	The first drug store was opened
1960	The Pentecostal High School was built
1961	Construction of the present amalgamated Regional High School was begun. September 15th, the first edition of our present weekly paper, The Pilot
1962	The Lewisporte Vocational School was constructed
1964	The Marine Haul out was begun
1968	The beginning of the Tuna Sport Fishing Industry
1970	Lewisporte Wholesalers opened their new warehouse
1973	Lewisporte Stadium officially opened
1976	North Haven Manor and the new integrated Elementary School were opened.
1979	Lewisporte Shopping Mall was officially opened
198_	Lewisporte was introduced to Cable Television
1989	Formation of the present Lewisporte Yacht Club and on-going improvements to marina
1990	Winter Games Bowling Lanes officially opened
1994-95	Present Town Hall and Public Library was constructed
2000	Die Trac Technical Institute officially opened