The Queenstown story is located in the disused areas of the railway station in Cobh. It tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s.
Of the 6 million adults and children that emigrated from Ireland between 1848-1950, 2.5 million left from Cobh. The majority of these were during the famine.
The Famine
The famine occurred as a result of widespread potato crop failure throughout Ireland from 1845-1849. This led to poverty, hunger and disease.
Escape from Ireland was seen by many as their only chance of surviving. From Cobh, hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life.
Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time.
Most emigrants headed to British North America, which is now Canada. This is mainly because of the cost and government regulations. However, most found their way south to the United States and settled there.
Annie Moore
Annie Moore was the first ever emigrant to be processed at Ellis Island in New York Harbour. It officially opened on 1st January, 1892.
Annie Moore
Annie Moore became the first ever emigrant to be processed in Ellis Island when it officially opened in 1892.
Image courtesy of Cobh Heritage CentreAnnie Moore
Image courtesy of Cobh Heritage Centre
Image courtesy of Cobh Heritage Centre
Annie Moore
Annie Moore became the first ever emigrant to be processed in Ellis Island when it officially opened in 1892.
Image courtesy of Cobh Heritage CentreShe was only 15 when she arrived with her two brothers Philip and Anthony. On the 20th December 1891, Annie left Queenstown aboard the steamship SS Nevada. She arrived in America after 12 days travelling in steerage (the cheapest way of travelling by boat).
There is a statue of Annie and her two brothers outside the Cobh Heritage Centre. This was officially unveiled by President Mary Robinson on the 9th February 1993.
A similar statue of Annie is found at Ellis Island which is a symbol for all those Irish who have made that same journey across to America.