Saint John in Saint John County, New Brunswick — The Atlantic Provinces
The Marco Polo
Le Marco Polo
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 11, 2014
1. The Marco Polo Marker
EnglishA three-masted full-rigged ship with a modified clipper hull, the Marco Polo earned a reputation as the “fastest ship in the world” and drew international attention to New Brunswick shipyards. Built in 1851 by James Smith in Saint John, it was sold to British interests and refitted to carry emigrants. Its captain, “Bully” Forbes, achieved a record passage from Liverpool the goldfields of Australia in 1852 by using the “Roaring Forties” route north of Antarctica. While carrying timber to England in 1883, the Marco Polo was run ashore at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, during a gale.
French
Le Marco Polo, trois-mats carré doté d’une coque de clipper modifiée, attira l’attention internationale sur les chantiers navals du Nouveau-Brunswick en s’illustrant comme «le navire le plus rapide au monde». Construit par James Smith à Saint John en 1851, le fut vendu à des Britanniques et rééquipé pour transporter des emigrants. Commandé par «Bully» Forbes, il accomplit, en 1852, la traversée de Liverpool aux champs aurifères de l’Australie en un temps record
this page online
Erected by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada/Commission de lieux et monuments historique du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 45° 16.375′ N, 66° 3.76′ W. Marker is in Saint John, New Brunswick, in Saint John County. Marker is on Market Square near Chipman Hill, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Market Square, Saint John NB E2L 1E8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Legacy of Tea | Du thé en héritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Scottish Strength (within shouting distance of this marker); Centerbeam Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Prince William Street - Before and After the 1877 Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint John 225th Anniversary Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); The Landing of the Loyalists (within shouting
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 11, 2014
2. The Marco Polo Marker
More about this marker. This marker is in front of City Hall.
Also see . . . Historical facts on the Marco Polo. The Marco Polo's unique design, superb construction and legendary prowess promoted Canadian shipbuilding around the world, after her records Canada – Saint John – became one of the world's foremost shipbuilders. (Submitted on September 25, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Additional keywords. The Marco Polo
Photographed By Illustrated London News, circa 1853
3. The Marco Polo
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 11, 2014
4. Model of the Marco Polo
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 424 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on September 27, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
