Identification & Site Information

•Name: Bytown

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer

•Year Built: 1836

•Location of Build: Kingston, Ontario

•Tonnage: 123 tons

•Final Location: Counter’s Wharf, Kingston, Lake Ontario

•Date of Wreck: October 25, 1837

Vessel Type Description

The Bytown was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, typical of the early 19th-century vessels designed for passenger and freight transportation. Powered by steam engines that drove large paddle wheels on either side of the Hull, these vessels were a vital part of the expanding trade and transportation network on the Great Lakes. The Bytown, built in 1836, served as an important link for commerce and travel in the region.

History

Construction and Service

The Bytown was constructed in Kingston, Ontario, in 1836, with a tonnage of 123. It served as a passenger and cargo vessel, operating along the Great Lakes and contributing to the bustling economy of the region.

Storm and Wreck

On October 25, 1837, the Bytown encountered a severe storm while docked at Counter’s Wharf in Kingston, Lake Ontario. The gale drove the vessel ashore, causing extensive damage as the pounding waves turned it into a wreck.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the captain, Captain Bowen, suffered a personal loss of nearly £200 in his trunk. Additionally, a parcel containing approximately £1,000 belonging to the Commercial Bank was lost in the wreck.

Recovery and Repairs

Following the incident, the Bytown was hauled out onto the Kingston Marine Railway for repairs between August and November 1837. Despite the considerable damage, the vessel’s machinery remained uninjured, allowing it to be restored and returned to service.

Impact of the Storm

The storm that wrecked the Bytown also caused widespread damage in Kingston Harbor:

•A Barge owned by the Ottawa Company sank but was later recovered.

•The Steamboat Commodore Barrie suffered minor damage, including the loss of one paddle.

The total property damage in Kingston Harbor from the storm was estimated at £5,000.

Final Disposition

The Bytown was successfully repaired and returned to service after the storm. Its subsequent operational history and eventual end of service are not well-documented, and no known remains exist of the vessel today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Bytown’s wreck site at Counter’s Wharf, where it was initially driven ashore, holds historical significance. However, the vessel was salvaged and repaired, leaving no substantial remains at the original wreck site.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Digital Archive Ontario

•Digital Kingston Newspapers

•Toronto Public Library

Conclusion

The Bytown was a testament to the resilience of early Great Lakes vessels and the ingenuity of 19th-century shipbuilders. Despite sustaining heavy damage during a storm in 1837, the Steamer was successfully repaired and returned to service. Its history highlights the critical role of sidewheel steamers in regional transportation and the challenges of navigating the often-treacherous waters of Lake Ontario.

Keywords

Bytown, Sidewheel Steamer, Kingston Ontario, Counter’s Wharf, 1837 storm, Lake Ontario maritime history, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Kingston Marine Railway.