Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: BELLA (formerly CAYUGA)

•Type: River Barge

•Length: Originally 135.3 feet (41.23 metres), Rebuilt to 166.0 feet (50.6 metres)

•Tonnage: Originally 402 gross tons, Rebuilt to 454.49 gross tons

•Capacity: 20,000 bushels

•Year Built: 1870

•Builder: Henry Roney, Garden Island, Ontario

•Final Disposition: Foundered on June 29, 1916, off Canada Island, Galops Rapids, St. Lawrence River

Vessel Type Description

The BELLA, originally named CAYUGA, was a large wooden river Barge typical of the 19th century. Built for commercial trade, its design featured a round Stern and two masts after an extensive Rebuild in 1884-85. This Rebuild also included the addition of a steel Keelson, enhancing the vessel’s structural integrity and adapting it to evolving demands. The BELLA was a crucial component of the maritime transportation system on the St. Lawrence River, capable of carrying significant cargo volumes such as grain.

History

Constructed in 1870 and originally named CAYUGA, the vessel was likely owned by Calvin Co., which named ships after Iroquoian tribes. By 1872, ownership had passed to the Montreal Transportation Co., and the vessel played a pivotal role in moving goods across the region.

In 1884-85, the vessel underwent significant upgrades, extending its length and incorporating a steel Keelson. Renamed BELLA, after the daughter of John Gaskin, the Barge became a durable asset in commercial shipping. Over its career, the BELLA was frequently assessed, reflecting its fluctuating value due to age and maintenance costs. At its peak, the Barge was valued at $9,400 in 1874, but this value diminished as the vessel aged.

The early 20th century saw the BELLA’s condition and value decline further. By 1916, the aging vessel was listed for sale, signaling the end of its working life.

Final Disposition

On June 29, 1916, the BELLA met a tragic end, foundering near the north end of Canada Island in the Galops Rapids of the St. Lawrence River. The circumstances of the sinking are not documented in detail, but the event marked the end of a vessel that had served the region for over four decades.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database

•Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

•BELLA

•CAYUGA

•River Barge

•St. Lawrence River

•Galops Rapids

•John Gaskin

•Montreal Transportation Co.

•Henry Roney

•Wooden Barge

•19th-Century Shipwreck

Analysis

The story of the BELLA provides insight into the operational life of river barges during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its multiple rebuilds and long service life reflect the economic and logistical significance of such vessels, which were indispensable in maintaining trade and transportation networks. However, the Barge’s ultimate demise near Galops Rapids highlights the inherent risks of operating on challenging waterways like the St. Lawrence River. The BELLA remains a poignant chapter in the region’s maritime history, symbolizing the resilience and eventual vulnerability of these essential vessels.