St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company

The St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company was a Canadian shipping enterprise that played a significant role in maritime commerce during the late 19th century. Based in Kingston, Ontario, the company was involved in the transportation of goods along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, facilitating trade between eastern Canada and the United States.

Fleet and Operations:

The company’s fleet included various vessels designed for bulk cargo transport. Notable ships associated with the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company include:

• CERES: A wooden barge built in 1875 at Kingston, Ontario. The CERES measured 77.7 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and 9.4 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 147 tons. It was utilized as a floating grain elevator, highlighting the company’s involvement in the grain trade. 

• TIGER: Constructed in 1863, this wooden barge was 106.83 feet long with a beam of 22.92 feet. By 1879, the TIGER was owned by the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company, indicating the company’s expansion and diversification of its fleet. 

• CANADA: Built in 1872, this sailing barge measured 137 feet in length and had a gross tonnage of 300 tons. In 1877, it was owned by the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company and was later acquired by the Montreal Transportation Company in 1884. 

Industry Context:

During the late 19th century, the shipping industry along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes was highly competitive. Companies like the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company were instrumental in facilitating the movement of bulk goods, such as grain and coal, between Canada and the United States. The development of canals and improvements in navigation, including the Welland Canal, enhanced the efficiency of these operations. 

Legacy:

The St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Company contributed to the economic development of Kingston and the broader Great Lakes region. By providing essential shipping services, the company supported trade and commerce during a pivotal period in North American industrialization. While specific details about the company’s dissolution are limited, its operations during the late 19th century remain a testament to the vital role of maritime transportation in the region’s history.