 During the 17th and 18th centuries, fishing, water transportation and trade were essential to everyday life in Cape Forchu.During the American Revolution, in December 1775, American privateers took four vessels at Cape Forchu and took the people of the hamlet prisoners.During the 19th century, Yarmouth Harbour became a major port of registry for sailing ships and by the late 19th century, it was the second largest port of registry in Canada.