On my latest bike ride through Ballard, I took a casual detour along the waterfront and – would you believe it – I bumped into a real piece of history, the Albert. Parked at a dock, that seemed as random as my ride, this old fishing boat was covered in a patchwork of graffiti. But this isn’t just random tagging; it’s the contemporary face of a vessel that’s seen its share of stories and the sea.
Ballard’s no stranger to these hidden gems; it’s like a treasure trove of commercial fishing time capsules if you know where to look. The Albert is a classic example. She’s a reminder of the gritty Cod Wars, a tussle over fishing rights that had the UK and Iceland at loggerheads from 1958 to 1961. Who knew this quiet corner of Ballard held echoes of maritime standoffs and the struggle over the precious bounty of the North Atlantic?
This old girl has seen better days, sure, but she’s a testament to the rich history that’s as much a part of Ballard as the salty sea air. As you walk by the Albert and others like her, you’re stepping right into a page of the past – each vessel a chapter, each weathered plank a line in the saga of our fishing forebears.
So, next time you’re in Ballard, take a moment. Wander a bit closer to these relics, these sentinels of the sea. There’s a whole lot of ‘fishtory’ waiting for you, right there on the docks. And for those bitten by the history bug, I’ve dropped some links below to give you a deep dive into the world of the Cod Wars and Iceland’s bold stand for its maritime rights. Happy exploring!
Lots to unwrap on this one:
Wikipedia Cod Wars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cod_Wars#First_Cod_War_(1958%E2%80%931961)
The Reddit Post https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/nmq0qr/icgv_albert_served_iceland_in_the_first_cod_war/