The Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Company was a prominent maritime shipping enterprise operating in the St. Lawrence Riverand Great Lakes region during the 19th century. Based in Kingston, Ontario, the company served as a critical link in the burgeoning trade networks of the time, facilitating the transport of goods between the eastern ports and inland areas.
Overview
• Primary Role: Freight transportation, particularly bulk goods like coal, grain, and lumber, which were essential commodities for the economic growth of Ontario and Quebec.
• Operational Era: Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an era marked by rapid industrialization and the expansion of canal and railway systems.
• Fleet: Operated a variety of vessels, including barges, schooners, and steamers, tailored for the unique requirements of lake and river navigation.
Significant Contributions
• Transportation of Bulk Cargo:
• Specialized in moving heavy and bulky materials such as coal and grain along the St. Lawrence River and through the Great Lakes.
• Utilized both sail- and steam-powered vessels to ensure efficient delivery.
• Construction and Ownership of Vessels:
• Commissioned the CONDOR, a composite lake barge launched in 1888 by A. Cantin of Montreal. At the time of its launch, the CONDOR was one of the largest barges operating on the upper St. Lawrence, boasting a capacity of 40,000 bushels.
• Managed a fleet of vessels adapted to canal navigation, with designs emphasizing durability and capacity.
• Integration with Canal Systems:
• The company played a vital role in utilizing and supporting the canal networks, particularly the Rideau Canal and the St. Lawrence canals, which were essential for connecting inland trade to larger shipping hubs like Montreal.
Decline and Legacy
• Economic Shifts: The company’s decline mirrored broader changes in transportation, as railroads began to dominate freight logistics in the early 20th century.
• Integration into Larger Networks: Companies like the Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Co. were eventually absorbed or replaced by larger shipping corporations better equipped to handle industrial-scale logistics.
• Historical Importance: The company’s operations highlighted the importance of maritime transportation in the economic development of Ontario and Quebec. Its role in managing large vessels like the CONDOR illustrates its significance in regional trade.
Notable Vessels
• CONDOR:
• Built: 1888 by A. Cantin in Montreal.
• Role: Transported bulk cargo, primarily coal and grain.
• Fate: Wrecked on August 17, 1921, at Point Traverse, Ontario.
Resources for Further Research
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Ontario Archives: Historical shipping and trade records.
• Local Historical Societies:
• Kingston Historical Society
• Prince Edward County Maritime Archives
The Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Company exemplified the critical role regional shipping companies played in connecting the economic hubs of Ontario and Quebec during the 19th century. With its significant investments in durable, large-capacity vessels like the CONDOR, the company contributed to the growth of Canada’s inland trade routes and maritime legacy.