John Cabot, who visited Newfoundland in 1497, is given the title discoverer although it is likely that the Vikings visited its shore on their various trips to the west. Early settlement efforts were made by the British involving such men as Sir Humphrey and Sir George Calvert. There was much dispute between the French and the British for the island and its fishing rights. Awarded to England by the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713. Granted first governor in 1728. Adequate local government did not develop until the mid 1800s. Made a British colony in 1934 and became a province of Canada (along with Labrador) in 1949. Rulers:,,, ,British,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Pound = 4 Dollars = 20 Shillings,, ,1 Dollar = 100 Cents,,