There are thousands of stories that should be told about Grosse Ile. Its history began in the 1830s, when it became a quarantine station to accommodate the first immigrants to Canada. It is best known as a tragic memorial, because of the 5500 Irish who died here of “ship fevers” at the time of the potato famine. But Grosse Ile is also the story of the birth of modern public health. Innovations were created here that would help stop the spread of deadly 19th century diseases. This island is also the legacy of Canada's early attitudes to immigration, and the compassion with which the people who died here were treated. Grosse Ile is a reflection of Canada and our changing attitudes towards the millions of immigrants who have arrived on our shores.