Jeanie Johnston

Jeanie Johnston

Jeanie Johnston was a three-masted barque originally built in Quebec, Canada in 1847. The ship is renowned for her role in transporting emigrants from Ireland to North America during the Great Famine of the 1840s. Unlike many other ships of the time, Jeanie Johnston gained a reputation for safety, as no lives were lost on any of her voyages.

Construction and Design

Jeanie Johnston was constructed by the Scottish-born shipbuilder John Munn in Quebec. The ship was made primarily of oak and pine, with a length of 123 feet and a beam of 26 feet. She was designed to carry both cargo and passengers, with a capacity to hold up to 200 people.

Voyages

The ship made her maiden voyage from Tralee in County Kerry, Ireland, to Quebec City in April 1848. Over the next seven years, Jeanie Johnston completed 16 voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, transporting over 2,500 emigrants to North America. The ship's routes included destinations such as New York City, Baltimore, and Quebec City.

Safety Record

Jeanie Johnston is particularly noted for her impeccable safety record. Despite the harsh conditions and the prevalence of disease during the Great Famine, the ship did not lose a single passenger or crew member to illness or accident. This remarkable feat is attributed to the ship's well-maintained condition and the competence of her crew, led by Captain James Attridge and later Captain Samuel P. Jones.

Replica and Museum

In the late 20th century, a replica of Jeanie Johnston was commissioned to serve as a museum ship and a symbol of Irish emigration. The replica was constructed in Blennerville, County Kerry, and launched in 2000. Today, the replica is moored at Custom House Quay in Dublin, where it serves as a popular tourist attraction and educational resource.

Legacy

Jeanie Johnston remains a significant symbol of Irish resilience and the emigrant experience. The ship is commemorated in various cultural works, including literature and art, and continues to be a focal point for discussions on the Great Famine and Irish emigration.

See Also

• Great Famine (Ireland)
• Irish emigration
• Museum ship
• Barque