Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Names: Albion (originally Bristol).

• Type: Wooden Propeller Steambarge.

• Builder: Wm. Saunders, Brockville, Ontario.

• Year Built: 1862.

• Dimensions:

• Length: 134 feet (40.8 m).

• Beam: 26 feet (7.9 m).

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 m).

• Gross Tonnage: 297 tons.

• Final Resting Place: Rocks northeast of Grindstone City, near Pointe aux Barques, Lake Huron.

Vessel Type Description

The Albion, initially named Bristol, was a propeller-driven steambarge designed for bulk freight transportation, particularly lumber. Its wooden Hull and sturdy design made it a reliable workhorse on the Great Lakes. Rebuilt in 1876 after a fire, the Albion’s updated construction and capabilities reflected the demands of maritime commerce during the late 19th century.

History

Construction and Early Years

• 1862: Built as the Bristol in Brockville, Ontario, by Wm. Saunders.

• Ownership:

• Initially owned by George Chaffee et al. in Kingston, Ontario.

• Renamed Albion in 1876 after being Rebuilt by A. Muir & Bros. in Port Dalhousie, Ontario.

• Owned by Bryce Muir of Grantham, Ontario, at the time of its loss.

Incidents and Service

• October 1875: The vessel was severely damaged by fire but was subsequently Rebuilt and renamed.

• Operations:

• Routes included Montreal to Chicago, Hamilton, Toledo, St. Catharines, and Port Dalhousie.

• Frequently towed barges such as Antelope, Albert Ross, Albicore, and Ark.

Final Voyage

On October 3, 1887, the Albion met its end:

• Cargo: A load of lumber.

• Conditions: Dense fog combined with a fierce westerly gale led the vessel off course near Pointe aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron.

• Incident: Stranded on rocks northeast of Grindstone City during the night.

• Rescue: The crew, towing the Schooner Ark, was rescued by the United States Life-Saving Service (USLS) from Pointe aux Barques.

• Outcome:

• The Albion became a total wreck the following day.

• Some gear and cargo were salvaged, but the Schooner Ark survived the incident.

Final Disposition

The Albion’s wreckage remained northeast of Grindstone City, marking the tragic end of a vessel with decades of service on the Great Lakes. Its loss was a testament to the hazards faced by ships navigating these waters in challenging weather.

Legacy

The Albion’s story reflects the dynamic and perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. From its early years as the Bristol to its rebuilding and renaming, the vessel played a significant role in transporting goods and supporting commerce in the region. The circumstances of its loss, involving both human survival and material destruction, highlight the resilience and risks of maritime life during this era.

External Links & Resources

• David Swayze Shipwreck File.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: A comprehensive resource on historical vessels.

Conclusion

The Albion, originally the Bristol, serves as a poignant example of the wooden steambarges that supported Great Lakes commerce in the 19th century. Its history, culminating in its tragic loss in 1887, illustrates both the importance of these vessels to regional trade and the ever-present dangers of navigating the Great Lakes.

Keywords

Albion steambarge, Bristol steambarge, Pointe aux Barques shipwreck, Lake Huron maritime history, Grindstone City shipwreck, 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, bulk freight vessels, wooden propeller steambarge.