Deseronto Navigation Company

Deseronto Navigation Company

The Deseronto Navigation Company was a shipping enterprise operating out of Deseronto, Ontario, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Established as an affiliate of the Rathbun Company, it played a crucial role in supporting the transportation needs of the Rathbun family’s extensive industrial empire. The company specialized in operating vessels on the Great Lakes and Bay of Quinte, moving raw materials, finished goods, and passengers.

History and Founding

Parent Company: The Deseronto Navigation Company was established as a division of the Rathbun Company to complement its industrial operations, including timber, coal, ironworks, and railways.

Headquarters: Based in Deseronto, Ontario, strategically located on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, a vital waterway for trade and transportation in eastern Ontario.

Shipping Routes The company operated shipping routes along the Bay of Quinte, the St. Lawrence River, and into the Great Lakes, connecting Deseronto to major ports like:

• Kingston
• Toronto
• Montreal
• Smaller communities along the waterways.

Cargo

• Timber and Lumber: Transported raw timber and processed lumber from Rathbun’s sawmills to domestic and international markets.
• Coal and Iron Ore: Shipped essential raw materials for industrial operations.
• General Freight: Moved goods produced by Rathbun’s factories, including nails, iron products, and construction materials.
• Passengers: Offered passenger services, facilitating travel and tourism in the region.

Fleet

The Deseronto Navigation Company operated a fleet of steam-powered freighters, barges, and passenger vessels. Many of these ships were built or maintained at Rathbun-owned facilities in Deseronto or nearby shipyards.

• The steamer Ella Ross (GIPSEY) was launched in 1879, designed for passenger and cargo travel on rivers and bays in Ontario, Canada. Originally owned by J. D. Murphy of Toronto, the vessel was classified as A1, signifying its quality and seaworthiness. The steamer operated routes between Kingston and Toronto, connecting communities along Lake Ontario and Rideau Canal.

Economic Role

The company played a pivotal role in the economic development of Deseronto and surrounding areas, serving as a vital link between Rathbun’s industries and their markets.Provided critical infrastructure for moving bulk goods, reducing reliance on external transportation networks.

 The Deseronto Navigation Company exemplified the vertical integration strategy of the Rathbun Company, where transportation, production, and distribution were controlled under one entity.

Tourism and Passenger Transport  Operated passenger services that boosted regional tourism, particularly along the picturesque Bay of Quinte.

Decline and Legacy

The depletion of local timber resources and the decline of the Rathbun Company’s industrial operations in the early 20th century directly impacted the Deseronto Navigation Company. Increased competition from railways and improved road networks diminished the demand for waterborne freight and passenger services.

Closure The Deseronto Navigation Company ceased operations in the early 20th century, alongside the decline of its parent company, the Rathbun Company.

The company left a lasting mark on the maritime and industrial history of Deseronto, contributing to the town’s growth and prominence during its peak years. The infrastructure and economic networks established by the company influenced regional development long after its closure.

Further Research and Resources

• Deseronto Archives https://deserontoarchives.ca Contains detailed records, photographs, and documents about the Deseronto Navigation Company and its connection to the Rathbun Company.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.caProvides information on vessels operated by the company and shipping activity in the region.. 
• Books on Canadian Maritime HistoryIndustrial Pioneers: The Rathbun Company and Its Affiliates (if available in libraries or archives).
• Library and Archives Canada https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca Offers historical records related to Great Lakes navigation and shipping companies.

Conclusion

The Deseronto Navigation Company was an integral part of the Rathbun industrial empire, facilitating the transportation of goods and passengers in eastern Ontario. Although its operations ended with the decline of the Rathbun Company, its impact on the region’s economic and maritime history remains significant. Its story is closely tied to the rise and fall of Deseronto as a major industrial hub on the Bay of Quinte.