Commercial Hotel <br /> <br /> Highway travel was restricted in early NL. The first highway in NL was opened in 1831, and ran between St. Johns and Portugal Cove. This opened up travel to places in Conception Bay. Portugal Cove became an important terminal. Shortly following the opening of the highway William Coughlan initiated a stage coach service along the route. The Commins Commercial Hotel located on Duckworth Street was the departure point in St. Johns for freight and passengers travelling to Portugal Cove to connect with the Conception Bay Packet Service for travel to points in Conception Bay. The photo shows the Commercial Hotel in the 19th century.<br /> <br /> Photo Credit: Paul ONeill, The Oldest City; The Story of St. Johns, Newfoundland. 2003<br /> <br /> John Cornick<br /> Halifax, Nova Scotia<br />   Submitted By: John Cornick