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Shiploads of people from different
countries would come across the ocean in the hopes of starting a life in the
new world. Some settled in New Brunswick, but most moved on to other parts of
Canada and the United States. Regardless of their destination, if they entered
North America via the Saint John Harbour, they had to be inspected by
quarantine staff. From 1785 to 1942, Partridge Island served as North America's
first Quarantine Station to prevent the spread of diseases.
All sick people and those in contact with the sick were
brought to the island. On the island, they were subjected to a kerosene shower
"Item #1A on Map", followed by a hot
water shower to wash away the oil. Their belongings were steam cleaned. They
were to spend the remainder of their days on the island until they got better.
Those who died were buried in one of the six graveyards on the island."Item #31 on Map"
In 1830, there were so many
immigrants inflicted with fever and smallpox that they were housed in army
tents. Hospitals and pest houses were built, and were often overflowing. The
most tragic years for Partridge Island were 1845-1847, when Irish immigration
peaked. Dr. George Harding reported one day that he had over 2500 immigrants in
quarantine. Sick people were forced to lay on bare ground, despite the weather.
This painting by Ray Butler depicts Dr. J.P. Collins attending the Irish in
June 1847.
The next peak of immigration through Saint John was in the
1890's. Dr. John E. March reported that by 1894 he had inspected 74,906
immigrants and crewmen. Many of these immigrants were Jews from Eastern Europe
and Russia.
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In memory of the Irish immigrants who died and were buried on the island in 1847, a Celtic Cross was built in 1927 by a man named George McArthur--who was later buried at the base of the cross in 1932. "Item #19 on Map" |
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Another important Quarantine Station was the island of Grosse Île,
located close to the Port of Québec.
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All pages © Heritage Resources and New
Brunswick Community College - Saint John.