Coleraine port was much improved and developed during the Norman/Anglo Norman period and became one of the major ports on the north coast with trading links far and wide. The river was used for transportation since end of the last ice age when the dune systems provided early settlement areas for the hunter gathers who would eventually make their way up the river and settle at Mount Sandal.
The quays here also played an important part in the emigration story and what is frequently identified as the first organized wave of Presbyterian emigration to America in 1718, these were Ulster/Scots or Scots/Irish Presbyterians. This wave started after a petition of intent by 319 citizens including nine Presbyterian ministers, was sent to the Governor of Massachusetts (Samuel Shute ) confirming that they wished to transport themselves to the new plantation. The Reverend James Woodside of Dunboe Presbyterian Church and 160 members of the congregation were part of this exodus. From my research I believe some sailed from Coleraine and the remainder sailed from Londonderry aboard the ‘McCallum’.
The ‘William and Mary’ sailing from Coleraine arriving in Boston on 25th July 1718.
The ‘William and Elizabeth’ sailing from Londonderry arriving in Boston on 29 July 1718.
The ‘William’ sailing from Coleraine and arrived on August 4th 1718.
The ‘McCallum’ sailing from Londonderry arriving in Boston on September 2nd 1718.
The ‘Mary and Elizabeth’ sailing from Londonderry arriving on October 14th 1718.
These were not big ships, for example the ‘Mary and Elizabeth’ was 45 tons and carried 100 passengers. It was an arduous journey not only due to the unpredictability of the north Atlantic but also due to the confined space and hygiene onboard, sickness if it broke out could spread rapidly, there were many cases of births and deaths on the voyages which could last between 6 and 10 weeks depending on the weather. There had been previous attempt by congregations to emigrate, in 1636 the ‘Eagles Wing’ left Groomsport, County Down but was forced to turn back due to heavy seas. During the 1700s it is estimated over 250,000 emigrated.
Through these historic sailings from the Port of Coleraine, the town has a unique place in the story of emigration from Ireland that spans all the periods of emigration, pre, and post famine. I always find it unusual that with such a unique point of interest for visitors there is very little to show on the ground to mark these exceptional events.