The landscape of home - the role of Signal Hill in the emergence of a sense of identity and place in St. John's, Newfoundland

Abstract

Common to every community across the world are features in the landscape which contribute to a community's identity and the local sense of place. Some of these features become metonymical for the cities and countries in which they lie. Images of these visible place features are often mass produced, becoming symbols or icons of a city and its residents. But along with their recognition factor is the more important fact that as symbols of place identity these icons help to create and reflect the local sense of place. A National Historic Site and prominent landmark in St. John's, Newfoundland, Signal Hill has provided individuals and groups a focal point for the negotiation of a collective identity and concept of home over the past four centuries. An integral feature in the city's landscape, for many local residents today Signal Hill simply means home.