William Epps Cormack was born in St. John's on May 5, 1796. He set out from Random Bar (now known as Milton) on September 5, 1822 with a reluctant Indian guide, Joseph Sylvester, to try to establish friendly contact with the vanishing Beothucks in the unexplored interior of Newfoundland. He failed in his mission, due in large measure to the maneuverings of his complaining Micmac companion, but he did become the first known white man to walk across the Island of Newfoundland. William Epps Cormack's point of departure is a National Historic Site is located on the border of Clarenville and Milton next to the Hefferton Causeway leading to Random Island.

The current Bonavista Courthouse, the third one to occupy the site, was built during the period 1897 – 1900. Also to be viewed on the courthouse grounds is an old carriage gun from World War I, replicas of a whipping post and a set of stocks. These items were used in earlier days for those guilty of robbery and other misdemeanors.

This is the oldest documented residential structure on the Island for which the date of construction, the names of original owner, and the builder have been documented. It’s a Georgian style, two and one half story built during 1811 – 1813 for William Alexander, a native of Western Scotland who had come to Bonavista to establish himself as a merchant planter. The Bonavista Historical Society has acquired the property and a complete restoration is expected to commence in the very near future.

This lodge building, the largest fraternal hall of wooden construction in North America, was built in 1907. Displayed inside are many artifacts of the local lodge, including furniture, certificates, and photographs. The Orange Lodge was the site for many historic gatherings. Among the noteworthy Newfoundlanders who spoke in the lodge was Sir William Coaker, founder of the Fisherman’s Union and the community of Port Union.