Picture this Windmill Point in Montreal’s harbor. Before the 1840s a windmill stood tall. It wasn’t just any windmill. It marked a significant landing point. Ships carrying Irish immigrants arrived here during the devastating famine of 1847. Thousands sought refuge in Canada. Many found only death.
Windmill Point Basin is more than just a body of water. It’s a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in Montreal’s history. Imagine the scene. Fragile ships laden with desperate people. They reached the shores of this very basin. Disease ravaged the newcomers. They died in fever sheds hastily constructed nearby.
The windmill itself vanished long ago. But its memory lives on. It witnessed the suffering of thousands of Irish immigrants. They escaped starvation in their homeland only to face a different fate in Montreal. Typhus spread like wildfire through the overcrowded fever sheds. Between 3500 and 6000 souls perished. Their remains were later uncovered. They lay beneath the ground where Goose Village once stood.
The tragic story of Windmill Point isn’t just about numbers. It’s about individual stories of loss. It’s about the resilience of the human spirit. It’s about a community erased. Goose Village thrived on this land later. But it too was destroyed. It was sacrificed for Expo 67. The only remaining marker is a large black stone. It is known as The Black Rock. It stands as a solemn tribute. The stone is a stark reminder of the past. It serves as a silent testament to the suffering. Yet it’s often overlooked a small monument in a bustling city.
Today Windmill Point Basin offers a stunning view. But beneath the surface lies a powerful story. A story of hope shattered. A story of survival against unbelievable odds. A story of a forgotten tragedy. Remember the people who perished at Windmill Point. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten. Let their story serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and remembrance.