The community was first settled in the 1840s, apparently by a George Melvin. There was a small
Roman Catholic church and a school located in the community, as well as a
suspension bridge which crossed the inlet. At the time of
Confederation in 1949, La Manche had a population of 54; by 1961, following the closure of the school, this had fallen to 25. La Manche was abandoned after a winter storm on 28 January 1966 which demolished the community's network of wharves and stages and collapsed the suspension bridge. The remains of the community are now incorporated within the boundaries of the Park. ==See also==