The middle of the 19th century up until 1914 was the time of the French fishermen in Iceland. In those times there were probably up to 5000 French fishermen in Icelandic waters annually. The last French sloop was in Icelandic waters just before World War II and the French had at that time been fishing in Icelandic waters for about 300 years. In 1897 the French built a small infirmary in Faskrudsfirdi and later a chapel. In 1903 they built the hospital and it was ready for use a year later. The national day of France, July 14th, is still celebrated as flag-day in Faskrudsfjordur. A "French Day" festivity is also held every year.
