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When many private canal projects in the United States failed during the depression of 1837, the large-scale migration of mostly Irish labourers from those canal projects, into Canada, meant that 5,000-10,000 labourers had arrived on Canada’s canals by 1842. The Welland Canal attracted the largest numbers – around 5,000. Considering the population of St. Catharines in 1845 was merely 3,500, the presence of these desperate labourers was notable.
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is helping us celebrate our 150th anniversary of being officially incorporated as a City with a weekly look back into our rich history from a diverse range of perspectives.
Many arrived destitute and starving. The labourers lived with their families alongside the canal worksite in shanties as the Board of Works struggled to find enough work to employ them all. Living in such squalor and desperation pushed some labourers to riots and violence which was eventually policed by the military, including a company of the Coloured Corps.
While many returned to the United States or Ireland, others remained and, within a generation, their descendants became foundational members of the community.
This photo is taken around 1904 at Lock 21 of the Second Welland Canal located in what is now Mountain Locks Park. (1536-R)
Visit the St. Catharine Museum and Welland Canals Centre for a more in-depth look at the story of the Welland Canals.
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