One of the oldest cities in North America, St. John's is the capital, principal port and commercial center of the island. It is believed to be named for the feast day of St. John the Baptist, since it was on that day in 1497 that John Cabot discovered Newfoundland and Labrador. The city's perfectly sheltered harbor drew many European explorers and fishermen during the 1500s, until Sir Humphrey Gilbert sailed into the harbor on Aug. 5, 1583, and reaffirmed possession of Newfoundland and Labrador by claiming the land for the British. Learn More...