create more space, the landmark of Battery Hill was bulldozed to make room for the new yard. Along with the new developments, the new yard was taken over by Foundation Maritime Shipbuilding Limited. This allowed for the Ferguson brothers to retain the operations of the original marine slip and carry out repairs and refits to naval vessels. The first ship to be built was the SS Victoria Park, which was launched on October 22, 1942. Twenty-three more would follow. The twenty-four Park ships built in Pictou were as follows: After World War II With the twenty-four Park ships built and the war over, Foundation Maritime Limited closed the shipyard and the equipment was sold. Convinced that shipbuilding could be a viable industry in Pictou, the Ferguson brothers, with the support of the Nova Scotia government, took over the shipyard building and re-equipped the yard. Although the senior brother, Robert A. Ferguson, died in 1942, the remaining brothers continued the firm, incorporated it as Ferguson Industries Ltd. and gained official ownership of the entire yard. The Fergusons built 107 steel ships in the post–World War II years, which included barges, trawlers, and ferry boats. The Fergusons' ownership lasted until 1984, when the firm faced bankruptcy and entered receivership. References Economy of Nova Scotia Shipyards of Canada Transport in Pictou County