Iconic Ship Replica Returns to Saint John Harbour After 175 Years

A replica of the legendary ship Marco Polo has made its way back to the Saint John Harbour, nearly 175 years after the original vessel first set sail. This one-third sized model now rests at Long Wharf along the Saint John Harbour Passage, symbolizing the city’s rich shipbuilding heritage. The project, driven by local City Councillor Barry Ogden, represents a significant community effort that began long before his time in office.

“We raised about, counting the film and all the design work we did for it, about $3.1 million,” Ogden explained, reflecting on the decades of dedication necessary to bring the replica to fruition. He noted that while challenges arose during the journey, the community’s commitment has been a source of pride.

The Legacy of the Marco Polo

Launched from Saint John in 1851, the original Marco Polo was constructed by James Smith and quickly gained fame as the fastest ship in the world. Completing a round trip from England to Australia in under six months, it achieved a remarkable feat that earned it a place in maritime history. In 1990, the ship was recognized for its national historic significance.

Community contributions have played a crucial role in the project. Ocean Steel built the ship’s cradle, while members of the Wolastoqey First Nation constructed deck cabins. Recently, Saint John Energy assisted in erecting the ship’s masts. Despite these accomplishments, Ogden is still seeking approximately $100,000 to complete remaining elements, such as rigging and lighting.

A Symbol of Pride and Heritage

The arrival of the Marco Polo replica is not only a significant moment for Ogden but also for local historian Greg Marquis, who is a history professor at the University of New Brunswick Saint John and President of the New Brunswick Historical Society. Marquis emphasized the importance of the replica as a visual reminder of Saint John’s historical role as a shipbuilding and shipping hub.

“We were way more important than Halifax in the overall picture of things, but a lot of that visual history is gone,” he stated. “It’s really great for a number of reasons that the Marco Polo is on the waterfront.” The replica serves as an educational tool, highlighting the city’s legacy during the golden age of sail.

Marquis also believes that unique attractions like the Marco Polo can enhance tourism in the area. “This will help with schools and education and just to remind us of our past,” he added, noting that much of Saint John’s history has been lost due to events like the great fire.

Although the original Marco Polo never returned to its Port City after departing in 1851, it later found itself off the shores of Cavendish, P.E.I., following a wreck in 1883. The replica, now firmly anchored in its final resting place, offers a renewed connection to the maritime past that shaped both Saint John and New Brunswick.

For those walking around the uptown area, the replica serves as an essential landmark, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the history of shipbuilding in the region. This project not only celebrates a remarkable vessel but also rekindles a sense of pride in the city’s historical contributions to maritime trade.