Historical Places: Middle Island Irish Historical Park

Middle Island is the other historical island in Miramichi. This is the island where the Irish settlers came to Miramichi in the past to escape to a better life in Canada.

Middle Island Irish Historical Park.

First, to understand why Irish settlers came to Canada, we have to go to the root of the problem: the Irish Potato Famine.

"The Great Potato Famine

In 1845 a mysterious fungus swept through Ireland, settling upon millions of healthy potato plants ready for harvest. Within days, potatoes removed from these infected plants blackened, withered, and rotted. Dependent on the potato to survive, poor Irish families began to starve. Selling livestock, pawning their few possessions, and borrowing money from greedy lenders did not stop the famine from taking more than one million lives. To escape death, many left their beloved homeland: boarding ships bound for Canada in search of a better life."

"Ireland's 'Superfood'

In the 1800s more than three million Irish peasants survived on potatoes. Rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, this vegetable was the most stable crop in the poorest regions of Ireland. Families ate boiled potatoes three times a day. A small potato field could feed a family of six for an entire year - with leftovers!"

Sculpture in remembrance of the Irish potato famine.

"Potatoes Change Lives

Talk to any Irish immigrant and they will agree. This limestone potato represents the Irish potato famine: a disaster that forced families to flee Ireland in the 1840s. With Irish roots in tow, these immigrants journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean in pursuit of a better life. On the left face, the shamrock: an emblem of the land they left behind. Opposite this, an etched maple leaf symbolizes new hope in Canada."

"Sculpture by Alison Bale, Ireland

Presented to Middle Island Irish Historical Park by Monaghan County Council, Monaghan, Ireland July 2006"

With hope, Irish immigrants set sail on ships to Canada, to make a better life for themselves. Little did they know, tragedy was in store for them on their journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

"Imprisoned At Sea

Trapped inside the belly of a ship, a fatal fever inches closer to your bed. What would you do? Irish immigrants bound for Canada has only the frigid waters of the ocean to escape to. Crowded below deck with little to eat, passengers became ill as disease spread rapidly aboard ships like the Looshtauk and Richard White. The death toll rose so quickly that many of these 'coffin ships' diverted to the nearest port for immediate aid. After nearly two months at sea, this promising passage had unraveled into a terrifying struggle to stay alive.

A Good Deal?

Exploiting the misery of poor Irish families, ship owners charged less to those willing to bunk in the cargo hold. Crowded like cattle below deck, passengers enjoyed the same comforts as their rodents roommates: no bedding, sanitation, or fresh air."

"Looking to Land

In June 1847, the Looshtauk sailed quietly up the Miramichi River and anchored off Middle Island. Reporting grave conditions on board, the ship requested immediate medical aid and permission to land. Below deck, passengers battled typhus and scarlet fever that had swarmed the vessel and taken more than 100 lives. Placed under quarantine, the infected ship waited in the water - so close to land yet forbidden from reaching it. Six days later, survivors from this horrific voyage were finally permitted to disembark and took their first steps onto Canadian soil."

"Taking Action

While authorities debated the fate of his ship, Captain Thain watched as passengers and crew continued to suffer. Out of patience and desperate to save those still alive, he threatened to run his ship ashore. The next day, arrangements were quickly finalized for the Looshtauk to land at Middle Island."

Middle Island's Celtic Landing.

"Landing of the Looshtauk

1847

The barque Looshtauk arrived at Middle Island with 462 Irish immigrants, more than half of whom did not survive. Despite this tragedy, such immigrant landings signal a turning point in the development of nineteenth-century New Brunswick."

Mural on the side of the Captain's Galley: the island restaurant.

"Island Quarantine

A quick glance at this mural reveals a very different Middle Island than the one you see today. With the arrival of the Looshtauk in 1847, this quiet island erupted with activity. Quickly transformed into a quarantine station, it became the only refuge for sick passengers as they struggled to stay alive. Take a closer look at life in quarantine on Middle Island: can you imagine fighting scarlet fever in an old fish shed or canvas tent?"

"Mural: David Daley
Original sketch: Carmel McCarthy"

Due to a large number of sick passengers, Middle Island became a large hospital for the ill.

"Suffering Under the Stars

Imagine lying sick on a bed of cold, damp straw as a bitter wind whips your face. These were the conditions passengers faced as they struggled to stay alive on Middle Island. Unprepared for the arrival of ships brimming with ill passengers, officials hastily built shelters and converted a small fish shed into a hospital. Most of those quarantined here slept on the ground between boards that barely defended them from the harsh weather that repeatedly struck the island."

"Better Off on Board?

Although they were not sick, healthy passengers were also confined to Middle Island for a period of time. Patrolled by guards, the Island became an inescapable prison. Eating little and sleeping next to their sick comrades, many became ill only days before their quarantine ended."

A young doctor, Dr. Vondy, who was newly trained and ready to make a difference, did his best to help everyone he could. Despite his best efforts, many people died on the quarantined island, including the young doctor himself.

"A Place to Remember

Despite Dr. Vondy's efforts, many sick immigrants quarantined at Middle Island could not be saved. At times, the death toll rose so quickly that caskets could not be built to meet the demand. Wrapped to the neck in canvas, bodies were laid in hastily dug, shallow graves. A large cross erected in 1984 acknowledges those unmarked graves and pays tribute to those whose first steps on Canadian soil were also their last."

The cross for the unmarked graves. It's framed in a shamrock hedge.

"150 years of commemoration

***

Middle Island

May/June 1847

Irish Famine victims

arrival on vessels

Richard White

Looshtauk

Bolivar

Victoria

Independence

Dedication May 1997

Irish Festival Inc."

Dr. Vondy's body was the only one removed from the island, despite the quarantine, and he is buried in the cemetery at St. Paul's Anglican Church, one of the historic churches in Miramichi.

There is also another structure erected at Middle Island to commemorate those who lost their lives to the famine.

"Middle Island

1847 Cemetery

(Lazaretto)

of 

Irish Famine

Immigrants

Dedicated by

Irish Festival Inc.

July 18, 1993."

After the quarantine was called off, Irish immigrants were free to leave and set out to make a new life in Canada.

Mural of the Irish settler's homestead in Barnaby River.

"New Beginnings

Not all immigrants quarantined at Middle Island perished. Those fortunate enough to stay alive were discharged to Chatham - their bodies weakened, but their spirits strong. Without food or fortune, many stayed in the town's hospital before settling into a homestead like the one seen here at Barnaby River. Finally able to plant their feet on Canadian soil, these resilient survivors farmed their way out of famine and into new, fruitful lives."

"Mural: David Daley"

"Life in A New World

Finding a new place to live was a difficult task for Irish immigrants arriving here in the 1800s. By 1820, the lush farmlands along the Miramichi River were already occupied by English settlers. Forced to travel inland, families encountered thick stands of trees that towered over all memory of the rolling hills they left behind in Ireland. Although the land was poor and the winters unforgiving, these resilient immigrants quickly adapted to their new world. Building homesteads throughout the colony, more than 160 Irish settlements began to emerge from the wilderness. Many of those early communities still exist today."

"Enduring Culture

Despite a voyage across the Atlantic, a deadly quarantine, and a life in a foreign land, Irish immigrants never forgot their roots. From music and food to sports and architecture, their culture has been handed down through generations and is as alive today as it was centuries before."

Today, Middle Island Irish Historical Park is a place for locals and visitors to explore. It is considered one of the Miramichi Landings in the city. There are also a number of walking trails that go along the main area of the island, or through the trees.

Miramichi Landings area.

"Middle Island's trails will take you through quiet wooded areas, along the water's edge, and into the heart of Irish heritage and culture."

"Experience the grief and joy of Irish immigration through the story of the 1847 tragedy of Middle Island and the legacy it left behind."

"A New Life in Canada

In the mid-1800s, thousands of Irish immigrants made a perilous journey to Canada to escape a potato famine that had left them starving and penniless. Leaving their homes in Ireland, they set out on crowded, filthy ships, determined to build a new life. Many took their first steps on Canadian soil here at Middle Island. Determined to build a new life."

"Brón Mo Brón

Irish for 'sorrow for sorrow', this phrase acknowledges Middle Island as a place of commemoration. The Island's sacred grounds are the final resting place for many Irish immigrants who lost their lives in 1847 after arriving on ships overrun with disease."

"A Culture to Celebrate

Today, Middle Island is a touchstone for descendants of Irish immigrants who return here to trace their roots. Come get acquainted with Irish culture and join in the celebrations of the annual Miramichi Irish Festival - an international events brimming with Irish Canadian hospitality!"

Trail leading into the wooded area.

Trail through the main area of the island.

Trail around the memorial site.

Trail that goes along the water's edge.

As mentioned above, there is also a restaurant on the island called Captain's Galley. It is open daily, Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant is also available to rent for special occasions. 

Inside of the restaurant during the Irish festival.

There is also a beach on the island for those who want to take a swim along the shore, or relax in the sand.

Beach area.

As the island is a major part of the Irish festival each year, there is a stage area and several picnic spots along the trails. There are also a number of benches that have plaques on them that were either from the people donating them or in memory of someone.

Stage.

Picnic area.

One of the many benches.

Benches around the memorial site.

Middle Island is open in the fall and spring as well as the summer, for people to take a stroll through the trails of to have a bite at the restaurant. During the summer, however, there is also a museum that visitors can check out.

Museum.

As visitors leave the island, they will see a friendly farewell on the back of the Middle Island Irish Historical Park sign.

In both English and Irish Gaelic: "Safe Journey".

To learn more about Middle Island Irish Historical Park, visit their website at www.middleislandmiramichi.com!