The Vikings were a warrior race from the Scandinavian countries - Sweden, Denmark and Norway - from approximately 800 to 1100 AD. The ones who settled in the Americas were most likely from Norway. After invading and conquering several islands and countries in Europe, including the Shetland and Orkney Islands - the warriors sought out more conquests and places to settle.
Between 800 and 900 AD, they started several settlements in Iceland. Then Eric the Red started a settlement in Greenland. These northern climes were well suited to the Vikings, resembling the barren and cold conditions of their native Norway.
About 1001 AD, Leif Erikson, known as Leif the Lucky, sailed farther south, down the coast to Baffin Island, Labrador and on down to northern Newfoundland where he established a settlement at a place called L'ans aux Meadows. He named the settlement Vinland. It is undetermined whether this referred to vines and grapes, or if he was using the term in the Old Norse way meaning grasslands.
The Vikings were the first Europeans to encounter the aboriginal population of North America, probably the Beothuk Indians whom they dubbed Red Men because of their habit of daubing themselves with the red mud of the area. Their accounts also mention another race, however, one they called "Skraelings." These were possibly the Inuit people from Labrador to the north who often traveled to the area.
Imagine the impression these strange light-skinned people made on the Natives. The Vikings sailed in mighty boats called longships with high prows and huge sails. The gunwales were lineed with battle shields and often there was a figurehead of a woman, a dragon-like creature, at the prow.
The Vikings, with their fair or red hair, dressed in leather and fur and wore shiny metal helmets with curved horns. They brandished swords and longbows. The Natives no doubt wondered what had come to their shores.
There's evidence the Vikings remained at the settlement seven or eight years. Then they just disappeared. It's unknown what became of them. Did they sail away in search of greener pastures? Did they become discouraged with the growth of the settlement and return to their native Norway? Possibly the Beothuks or the Skraelings attacked and killed or captured them all. Whatever the reason, they seemed to just vanish.
Remnants of the settlement, however, still remain. Some of the old buildings have been rebuilt and Viking artifacts are on display. It has become a well-known tourist stop in northern Newfoundland.
