In 1779, the battery was erected in St. Mary’s to protect the coastal areas and the prominent fishing grounds from privateers. The Battery remained active through the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. It remained active until 1815.
The Restoration Committee has worked hard to restore the site and create an interpretative park, which will attract a number of visitors to St. Mary’s as they trek around the Irish Loop on the Southern Shore.
The park has various benches to enjoy the view and the waterfront surroundings. There are picnics tables if you wish to bring a snack and lots of interpretative panels to learn more about the history of the area.
There is a copy of the HMS Proteus, where you can get your photo taken and a number of directional arrows of local communities and those far away. The playground is dedicated to Sister Elizabeth Bonia, who is in her 100th year and a former resident of the community.
The park is also a starting point if you wish to walk to Gulch Beach and Gaskiers-Point La Haye. I certainly was impressed with the beauty along the hike. Be sure to visit this park when in St. Mary’s.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore
My wife Maria and I stopped by on sunny July 25 2024 , during our drive of Irish loop….what a beautiful place of historical significance! The picnic area and park are perfectly manicured and the information on the boards were very informative and made me proud to be a Canadian and to learn more about our heritage .To actually see the 4 cannons (1 is actually 1 of the original 4 placed on that site so many years ..) ..made me realize the amazing perch they (operators of the cannons)had to fire on enemy ships( during times of conflict ) to defend their rich fishing waters ….but also they would also be an easy target for the enemy to fire at . We wish we had time and came dressed to hike the trail . Gives us a reason to come back some day ! Albert Fledderus Lowbanks Ontario Canada 🇨🇦