Anchor Park
This hand-forged anchor exhibited here stands as a testimonial to the men and ships that sailed this area providing important links of trade and communication to world markets.
The anchor came from one of the largest ships to load coal in boat harbour located five miles south of Nanaimo. The ship, thought to be the SS Northland and known as a steam packet, was a three masted sailing ship with a steam engine. While attempting to approach the coal bunkers to load coal which were 600 feet from shore, it ran into strong winds approximately 1/2 mile from the dock. In an attempt to slow the ship, the anchor was lowered. It snagged on a reef, thus possibly breaking the dog on the winch. This accounts for all of the chain being recovered with the anchor. The ship eventually ran into the dock.
The steam packets were originally built in the 1850's - 1860's, and constituted some of the largest cargo ships to sail this coast in the early part of the century. This anchor and chain, now at rest, are a direct link to the days when coal was king in Nanaimo.
Thanks to the volunteers, this anchor was positioned here June, 1985.
This plaque courtesy of Nanaimo Commonwealth Holding Soc.
Submitted by Paul Mackey