| Lower Canada (Quebec) was the gateway for many early emigrants to Canada. Quebec City was as far as ocean ships could sail into Canada along the St. Lawrence River from the Atlantic Ocean and ports overseas. During the height of the Irish immigration in the mid 1840 and 50's, all arriving ships had to stop first at Grosse Island, in the middle of the St. Lawrence Riverfor a health inspection. Those who were ill were removed to the island, and here many died and were buried. All others disembarked at Quebec City, to either settle in the area or to take another steamer to Montreal, and points westward. |
