Grand Falls-Windsor, a unique and historically rich community, was incorporated on January 1, 1991 when the two former towns of Grand Falls and Windsor amalgamated. In 1768, Lieutenant John Cartwright ascended the Exploits River and named the " Grand Falls ". However, it wasn't until 1905 that the town of Grand Falls was established. Unlike most communities in Newfoundland in which settlement occurred gradually, Grand Falls came into existence almost overnight. Fear of war in Europe forced the British Harmsworth family to search for an alternate source of newsprint to feed their publishing empire. In their search for a suitable location for the construction and operation of a pulp and paper mill, Harold Northcliffe and Mayson Beeton visited the Grand Falls .

The site held enormous potential with its access to rich timber resources, the possibility of hydro-electricity, and a nearby deep-water port at Botwood. This potential led to the incorporation of the Anglo-Newfoundland Development Company on January 7, 1905 with work on the mill's construction following quickly. Workers came from other areas of Newfoundland , Britain , Canada , and the United States to help carve out the new town. Soon people from all over the island were drawn to Grand Falls with hopes of finding work in the mill. Only mill employees, along with workers from the few private businesses, were permitted to live in Grand Falls , making it a closed company town. Others moving into the area settled north of the railway line on Crown land known as the Grand Falls Station, which served as a dormitory town for the workers of Grand Falls , offering its citizens tax-free land. The mill officially opened on October 9, 1909, and the towns of Grand Falls and what would become Windsor began to flourish.

Grand Falls wasn't only a company town, but catered to the social and athletic needs of the community. The Grand Falls Athletic Club was formed in 1907. Sports such as baseball, soccer, track, boxing, golf, tennis, and hockey would draw crowds of spectators. However, Grand Falls not only became known for its dedication to sports, but also for its love of the arts. Growing interest in music and drama resulted in the formation of various clubs, such as the Killearnan Glee Club and the Northcliffe Drama Club, as well as several town bands and musical groups. Other forms of recreation involved picture shows, debates, dances, and church activities. From 1905-1906, the spiritual needs of the community were attended to by visiting clergy. However, an increasing population soon resulted in the construction of Church of England, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches. Grand Falls had the first amalgamated school which served students from all denominations. The school building opened in December 1905, with Miss Annie Crocker as its first teacher.

With continued growth, Grand Falls Station soon became a vibrant town. Main Street was lined with businesses which catered to both towns and the railway. The town was incorporated on November 1, 1938, making it the second community in the province to gain that distinction. During its incorporation, the town changed its name to Windsor in honour of the Royal Family.

Grand Falls remained a company town until 1961 when Price Brothers and Company Limited acquired a large quantity of A.N.D. Company stock. The Company then relinquished its control of the town, permitting the election of its first municipal government and the incorporation of the municipality of Grand Falls . Thirty years later, the towns of Grand Falls and Windsor amalgamated to form the twin town of Grand Falls-Windsor .

The town's original economic development has survived two world wars, a depression, flown three flags, and except for three strikes, the mill has continuously produced newsprint since 1909. Today the paper mill operates under the ownership of Abitbi-Consolidated.