You are here

Home » 175th Anniversary Of Irish Tragedy Marked At Quebec Site

175th Anniversary Of Irish Tragedy Marked At Quebec Site

Share
By NPT Staff - July 12th, 2022
In Quebec, the Gross Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site has marked its 175th anniversary.

In Quebec, the Gross Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site has marked its 175th anniversary/Parks Canada

Forty-seven new Celtic crosses have been erected to mark the 175th anniversary of the Irish tragedy of 1847 at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site in Quebec.

Fleeing famine, more than 100,000 people left Ireland in 1847 in boats that weren’t suitable for transporting passengers and arrived at the Grosse Île quarantine station weakened by malnutrition, starvation and typhus. The facilities, which had seen just 25,000 to 30,000 immigrants the previous year, struggled to meet demand. The grim toll included 5,000 deaths at sea, 5,424 burials on Grosse Île and thousands of deaths in various Canadian cities.

The July 6 ceremony honored the victims' memory and applauded the courage and perseverance of the island staff who assisted the sick. It highlighted the social and cultural legacy of the Irish in Canadian society today.

It took place near the Irish cemetery, where 47 new Celtic crosses were erected, replacing those installed in the 1960s. Dignitaries laid wreaths at the foot of the crosses to pay their respects to those who perished in the tragedy. Flowers were also laid at the foot of the doctors' monument to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the quarantine station staff.

People attended a July 6 ceremony at Grosse Ile to mark its 175th anniversary.

People attended a July 6 ceremony at Grosse Ile to mark its 175th anniversary/Parks Canada

“Grosse Ile represents the triumph of Canadian compassion over the callous indifference of colonial rule in Ireland,” Eamonn McKee, ambassador of Ireland, said in a news release. “The numbers of desperate Irish refugees fleeing starvation at home often outnumbered the resident populations along the St. Lawrence River. Yet whether doomed to die or restored to health, the desperate Irish refugees from the Great Famine at home found here care and respect. They learned they had a home here in Canada. Canadians learned the value of self-government over the perils of colonial rule. On this hallowed ground, we remember these truths.”

The Great Irish Famine is considered one of the most important chapters in Irish history — a pivotal and traumatic time. Grosse Île is now considered — both in Ireland and in the Irish diaspora — as the sacred ground on which stands the 15-metre (50-foot) high Celtic Cross monument. Built in 1909 under the auspices of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, this trilingual (French, English and Gaelic) Celtic-style cross with a circle intersecting the four arms was cut from Irish stone. 

The seasonal site is open until Oct. 10.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.