Initially recorded as a fishing post of the French and later an outpost of the English, the island came to be inhabited at some time before 1704.
This did not happen, however, as English Captain Tavener's second report indicates that Lafosse's abandoned wife was still present in May 1718 and running a prosperous operation.
After the Treaty of Utrecht, the English established an outpost on the island and this became an important trade and fishing center.
Wood was cut on the Mainland portion of the Burin Peninsula in places like Rushoon, Bay D'Leau and Baine Harbour and brought to Oderin.
Many of the original English settlers moved to their wintering areas on the Burin Peninsula and established permanent year round communities.
Michael Morris of St. John's arrived and built a brand new church and school in the centre of the community.