A. Campbell of Toronto

Overview

A. Campbell of Toronto was a noted figure or entity in the maritime industry during the late 19th century. This individual or company was likely involved in shipownership or shipping operations, contributing to Toronto’s prominence as a hub for maritime trade in the Great Lakes. A. Campbell is specifically associated with the ownership of the City of Montreal, a bulk freighter that operated in the Great Lakes region.

Connection to the City of Montreal

1. Ownership Period:

• By 1888, A. Campbell of Toronto had acquired ownership of the City of Montreal, a propeller freighter built in 1871 by Hyslop & Ronald in Chatham, Ontario. The vessel had a history of carrying bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and building stone across the Great Lakes.

• During Campbell’s ownership, the City of Montreal met its end when it was wrecked on October 19, 1888, near Michipicoten Island in Lake Superior. The ship was lost while carrying 475 tons of building stone and towing the barge Keewatin.

2. Role in the City of Montreal’s Operations:

• Campbell likely used the City of Montreal for commercial shipping purposes, leveraging the vessel’s 400-ton capacity to transport bulk cargo essential for regional trade.

• The ship’s final voyage reflects the demanding nature of the Great Lakes shipping industry, where vessels often faced severe weather and challenging conditions.

Toronto’s Role in Maritime Trade

During the late 19th century, Toronto was a vital center for maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Shipowners like A. Campbell contributed to this ecosystem by managing vessels that facilitated trade between Ontario ports and American cities. The bulk goods transported by ships such as the City of Montreal supported industries in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, underscoring the importance of shipping to Toronto’s economy.

Legacy and Impact

• Contribution to Trade: A. Campbell’s ownership of the City of Montreal exemplifies the critical role that independent shipowners played in sustaining trade networks on the Great Lakes.

• Economic Development: By managing vessels capable of transporting large quantities of goods, Campbell and similar operators helped to drive the economic growth of Toronto and the surrounding region during a period of industrial expansion.

• Historical Significance: Although the City of Montreal was ultimately lost under Campbell’s ownership, its history offers valuable insights into the maritime challenges and opportunities of the time.

Key Points

• Name: A. Campbell of Toronto

• Role: Shipowner or shipping operator.

• Associated Vessel: City of Montreal, a propeller freighter built in 1871.

• Significant Event: The wreck of the City of Montreal on Michipicoten Island in 1888.

• Impact: Supported regional trade and Toronto’s economic development during the late 19th century.

Further Research

To gain more information about A. Campbell and the maritime context of the era:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore shipping records and ownership details.

• Toronto Public Library Archives: Investigate historical records of Toronto’s shipping industry.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Look for additional references to Campbell and associated vessels.

• Local Historical Societies: Toronto and Chatham-Kent archives for 19th-century maritime activities.