The Conlon Canal Line was a shipping company that operated in the Great Lakes region, particularly focusing on canal transportation routes such as the Welland Canal. The company specialized in towing services, assisting vessels in navigating the canal systems that connect the Great Lakes. One of the vessels associated with the Conlon Canal Line was the steam screw vessel originally known as Frank L. Bapst, built in 1895 in Buffalo, New York. This vessel underwent several name changes, becoming Squaw and later C.F. Coughlin, and was listed under the ownership of the Conlon Canal Line in the Merchant Vessel List of 1925.
The Welland Canal, a crucial waterway in Ontario, Canada, connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, allowing ships to bypass Niagara Falls. The canal has undergone several iterations since its initial opening in 1829, with significant expansions and improvements to accommodate larger vessels and increased traffic.
Companies like the Conlon Canal Line played a vital role in the operation of these canals, providing towing and navigation assistance to other vessels. Their services were essential for the efficient movement of goods through the canal systems, contributing to the economic development of the Great Lakes region.
For more detailed information on the history of the Welland Canal and its significance in Canadian maritime history, resources such as The Canadian Encyclopedia offer comprehensive insights.