Partridge Island, Quarantine facility on Partridge Island, Saint John, Canada
Partridge Island is a 24-acre site at the entrance to Saint John Harbor that contains a lighthouse, military fortifications, and a former quarantine facility connected by stone breakwater. The layout shows how the island served multiple purposes throughout its use, with buildings and structures spread across the terrain.
The island began as a military fortification in the 17th century before becoming a quarantine station for arriving ships. During the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, it processed tens of thousands of immigrants, many of whom died from typhus on the grounds.
The Mi'kmaq people named this place Quak'm'kagan'ik, meaning a piece cut out, from their creation story about how the island was formed. Today, traces of this heritage remain visible through the landscape and the stories connected to the land itself.
Access to the island has been restricted to the public since 1995 due to environmental concerns. Future plans for visitor access depend on addressing soil contamination issues and developing necessary infrastructure.
The island hosted the world's first steam-powered fog alarm system, invented by Robert Foulis in 1859 for maritime safety. This invention was groundbreaking for navigation technology and remains an important chapter in shipping history.
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