“Coffin ships” is the haunting name they earned. Imagine the scene in 1847 as we stand here near the Plaque Irish Refugees Great Hunger 1847. Thousands of Irish men women and children arrived on Toronto’s shores. They fled the Great Hunger.
This plaque commemorates their arrival and the tragedy that unfolded. The Plaque Irish Refugees Great Hunger 1847 marks a place of immense historical significance. It serves as a poignant reminder of a dark chapter.
In 1847 alone approximately 38500 Irish migrants landed in Toronto. The city’s population was only about 20000. Weakened by hunger and disease many had perished during the journey. They sailed across the Atlantic on overcrowded ships. These ships were infamously known as “coffin ships”. Roughly 20% died at sea or soon after arrival.
Toronto recorded 1186 fatalities within months due to contagious diseases. Compassionate local figures aided the migrants. These included clergymen government officials and medical workers. Tragically some of them also died. Their names are inscribed on memorial columns. These columns are made of limestone from Kilkenny Ireland.
The Plaque Irish Refugees Great Hunger 1847 stands as a testament to their suffering. It honors those who perished and those who offered aid. Many who died were buried beside St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. This was at Queen and Power Streets. However 281 were buried on this very site. Bishop Michael Power and Dr. George Grasett both died after contracting typhus while helping the sick.
The Ireland Park Foundation donated this plaque. It commemorates the Irish immigrants. Their names are inscribed on the memorial wall in Ireland Park Toronto. The park itself features sculptures. They mirror a similar Famine Memorial in Dublin. The Dublin figures represent departure. Toronto’s sculptures depict arrival.
Ireland Park was officially opened in July 2007. The park’s origins date back to 1995. Robert G. Kearns viewed Rowan Gillespie’s “Departure” sculptures in Dublin. He invited Gillespie to create sculptures for Toronto’s waterfront. The park was designed by Jonathan M. Kearns. It was built with Irish and Canadian minds hands and materials.
The seven sculptures in Dublin are reduced to five in Toronto. This symbolizes the tragic loss of life. This happened on the North Atlantic and upon arrival. The arrival locations included Grosse Île Montreal Kingston and Toronto.
Remember the sacrifices made. Reflect on the compassion shown as you stand before the Plaque Irish Refugees Great Hunger 1847. It stands as a symbol of resilience hope and remembrance.