IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Algona

• Official Numbers: 105608 (original), 105927 (after Rebuild)

• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel

• Build Information:

• Year Built: 1876

• Builder: George H. Notter, Buffalo, New York

• Construction Material: Wood

• Dimensions:

• Length: 76 feet (23 meters)

• Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)

• Depth: 5.6 feet (1.7 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 77.08 tons

• Propulsion: Single propeller, powered by one boiler

• Original Owner: Based in Massena, New York

• Final Location: 4 miles west of Morrisburg, New York, St. Lawrence River

• Date of Loss: May 1880

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Algona was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven vessel, representative of the late 19th century’s emerging steam-powered maritime technology. Designed with utility in mind, the vessel’s compact size and robust construction made it ideal for navigating the St. Lawrence River and nearby waterways. Its two decks and steam propulsion allowed it to efficiently transport goods, particularly hay and produce, which were common cargo in the region.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1876 by George H. Notter in Buffalo, New York, the Algona was crafted to serve as a dependable workhorse on the St. Lawrence River. Its modest dimensions and Gross Tonnage of 77.08 tons made it particularly suited for the river’s busy shipping lanes. Owned by parties in Massena, New York, the vessel played a crucial role in transporting agricultural goods, connecting regional producers with broader markets.

Loss of the Original Vessel

On a voyage in May 1880, the Algona tragically caught fire approximately 4 miles west of Morrisburg, New York. The vessel was laden with a cargo of hay and produce, both highly combustible, which likely accelerated the spread of the fire. The conflagration resulted in the vessel’s complete destruction, just four years after it was built. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, it underscores the inherent risks of operating wooden vessels powered by steam during that era.

Rebuild and Continued Service

Later in 1880, the Algona was Rebuilt under the same name but with a new official number (105927). This effort demonstrates the resilience and resourcefulness of the owners, who likely salvaged what they could from the wreck or constructed a new vessel in homage to the original. The Rebuilt vessel continued the legacy of the Algona, serving the St. Lawrence River and maintaining its place in the region’s maritime history.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The original Algona was completely destroyed by fire in May 1880, leaving behind a site of historical significance west of Morrisburg, New York. The Rebuilt vessel carried on the name and presumably continued operations for several years, ensuring the vessel’s contributions to Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce were not entirely lost.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Algona wreck site. The location, while significant historically, is not marked for navigation or exploration.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The original site of the Algona‘s loss has been documented in historical maritime records, approximately 4 miles west of Morrisburg, New York. The Rebuilt vessel’s activities continued under the same name, with its service likely recorded in subsequent merchant registries.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the original Algona was entirely destroyed by fire, leaving no significant remains to explore. Its location, marked in historical accounts, is primarily of interest to historians and enthusiasts of St. Lawrence River maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: Archives documenting 19th-century vessels and their histories.

• Mills Listing: Records detailing vessel specifications and operational histories.

CONCLUSION

The Algona exemplifies the transition from traditional sailing vessels to steam-powered ships during the late 19th century. Its initial destruction by fire highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden steamships, while its reconstruction demonstrates the resilience of its owners and the maritime community. The vessel’s dual history as both the original and Rebuilt Algona reflects the persistence and adaptability of those who depended on these ships to sustain commerce along the St. Lawrence River.

KEYWORDS

Algona propeller ship, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, wooden Steamship, 19th-century maritime history, Massena shipbuilding, Morrisburg shipwreck, Great Lakes shipping history.