Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Names: Alciope → United Kingdom → Birmingham
• Type: Paddle Wheel Vessel (originally) → Schooner (after Rebuild)
• Built: 1828, Niagara, Ontario, Canada
• Rebuilt:
  • 1832, Queenston, Ontario (renamed United Kingdom, paddle wheel retained)
  • 1835, Oswego, New York (Rebuilt as Schooner, renamed Birmingham)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 140 feet (42.67 meters)
  • Beam: 48 feet (14.63 meters)
• Engine:
  • Original: Sourced from Frontenac, built by Boulton & Watt, London
  • Later engines: Supplied by Drennan & Graham, Cincinnati, Ohio, with specifications of 24×72

Vessel Type Description

The vessel underwent significant transformations over its lifetime:

• Alciope (1828): A paddle wheel vessel, notable for its elegant design and advanced propulsion system for the era.
• United Kingdom (1832): A Rebuild enhanced the vessel’s passenger amenities, adding a redesigned cabin structure, extended dining areas, and modernized engines, retaining its paddle wheel propulsion.
• Birmingham (1835): After a wreck in Oswego, New York, the vessel was reconstructed as a Schooner, transitioning from steam to sail.

History

The Alciope was launched in 1828 in Niagara, Ontario, commissioned by Robert Hamilton, a prominent Queenston resident. The vessel’s career was marked by continuous modifications and ownership changes:

• 1828: Initial launch faced delays, with a 10-day postponement due to the vessel being stuck on the ways.
• 1832: Rebuilt in Queenston, Ontario, renamed United Kingdom, and redesigned for increased passenger comfort. Upgrades included new cabins, staterooms, extended dining areas, and the addition of baths.
• 1835: Wrecked in Oswego, New York, on November 11, 1835, following a storm. The vessel was salvaged and Rebuilt as a Schooner, Birmingham, during the winter of 1834-1835.

Ownership and Operations

• . Hamilton and A. Heron (Niagara, Ontario)
• Sold to H. Smith in 1835

The vessel was involved in passenger and cargo transport in the Great Lakes region. Its rebuilds reflect its adaptability to the demands of maritime commerce during the period.

Modifications

Queenston Rebuild (1832): Transformed passenger accommodations, introducing luxury elements such as staterooms, baths, and expanded dining spaces Retained paddle wheel propulsion.

Oswego Rebuild (1835): Converted into a Schooner, shifting from steam to sail propulsion. Reinforced Hull for Schooner operations.

Engine and Propulsion

The Alciope originally utilized an engine sourced from the Frontenac, a vessel known for its pioneering steam technology. Later engine upgrades were supplied by Drennan & Graham of Cincinnati, emphasizing power and efficiency.

Final Disposition

The Birmingham met its end when driven from its moorings in Oswego, striking shoals. The event caused significant damage, marking the vessel’s final chapter.

Significance

The Alciope/United Kingdom/Birmingham exemplifies the innovation and challenges of early Great Lakes shipping. Its transformation from paddle wheel vessel to Schooner underscores the adaptability of maritime enterprises during the 19th century.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Contemporary Newspaper Reports (Launches, Sales, and Wreck Reports)

Analysis

The journey of the Alciope/United Kingdom/Birmingham reflects the dynamic nature of early maritime history on the Great Lakes. From its innovative beginnings as a paddle wheel vessel to its final form as a Schooner, the vessel represents the evolution of shipping technology and the resilience of maritime enterprises. Despite its eventual loss, the vessel left a lasting legacy in the region’s maritime history.

Keywords #Alciope #United Kingdom #Birmingham #Paddle Wheel Vessel #Schooner #Queenston, Ontario #Oswego, New York #Robert Hamilton #Early Great Lakes Shipping #19th-Century Shipwrecks