Identification & Site Information

• Name: America
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: None (Canadian registry)
• Date Built and Launched: 1842
• Builder: J. Ewings, Niagara Harbour and Dock Co., Niagara, Ontario
• Vessel Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer (converted to Towboat)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Measurements:Length: 141 ft (43 m)Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m)Depth: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Tonnage: 407 tons
• Date Lost: 1874
• Place of Loss: Kingston, Ontario
• Lake: Lake Ontario
• Type of Loss: Hull failure (sank at dock)
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: None

Vessel Type & Description

The America was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer built in 1842 by J. Ewings at the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company in Niagara, Ontario. Initially constructed as a passenger Steamer, she later transitioned to Towboat duties in 1854, reflecting the evolving demands of Great Lakes commerce during the mid-19th century.

Measuring 141 feet in length with a beam of 19 feet and a depth of 9 feet, the America had a tonnage of 407 tons. Her sidewheel propulsion system was typical of early steamers operating on the Great Lakes, providing reliable power for both passenger service and later, towing operations.

History

When launched in 1842, the America served as a passenger Steamer, likely operating routes between major ports such as Niagara, Toronto, and Kingston on Lake Ontario. Early steamers like the America played a crucial role in regional transportation, connecting cities and facilitating the movement of people and goods before the expansion of the railroad system.

By 1854, the vessel was repurposed as a Towboat, a common fate for aging passenger steamers as newer, more advanced vessels entered service. The America was particularly involved in towing freight barges, supporting the booming trade in lumber, grain, and coal across Lake Ontario.

The vessel was owned by Calvin & Breck of Kingston, Ontario, in her later years. Kingston, located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, was a key hub for Great Lakes shipping and a natural location for the America to operate from in her towing capacity.

Final Years & Loss

By the early 1870s, the America had been laid up at a dock in Kingston after a long career on the lakes. The vessel had been out of active service for several years, likely due to age-related wear and the increasing dominance of iron-hulled steamers with more efficient Screw Propulsion systems.

In 1874, the America sank at her dock due to Hull failure, a common issue for aging wooden vessels left unattended for extended periods. The vessel was Abandoned, as she was not deemed worth salvaging. By that time, the costs of repairing or refitting a wooden Sidewheel Steamer were prohibitive compared to building newer, more modern vessels.

Final Disposition

The America was Abandoned at her dock in Kingston after sinking due to Hull failure. There are no records of salvage efforts, and any remnants of the vessel were likely left to deteriorate or removed during subsequent port development.

Located By & Date Found:

There is no confirmed modern discovery of the America‘s remains. The Kingston waterfront has undergone significant changes since the 19th century, and any remains may have been buried or removed during harbor expansions.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

No specific navigational hazards related to the America exist in the Kingston harbor area today. However, mariners should be aware of submerged debris from historical shipwrecks along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Conclusion

The America represents the evolution of maritime technology and commerce on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built as a passenger Steamer in 1842, she later transitioned to a Towboat, supporting the industrial and economic expansion of the region. Her sinking in Kingston in 1874 marks the end of a vessel that had served for over three decades. As iron-hulled steamers became the new standard, wooden sidewheelers like the America faded into history, leaving behind stories of their contribution to Great Lakes navigation and commerce.

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Keywords: America, Sidewheel Steamer, Kingston Ontario Shipwreck, Lake Ontario Towboat, Wooden Steamer Loss

Categories: Great Lakes Steamers, Lake Ontario Shipwrecks, 19th Century Towboats

Glossary Terms:Sidewheel Steamer, Hull Failure, Towboat, Wooden Hull, Abandoned Vessel