Vessel Report: Calumet

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Calumet

•Year Built: 1862

•Built At: Bryson, Quebec (also known as Havelock or the “Head of Calumet Rapids”)

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Number of Decks: Not specified

•Builder Name: A. Cantin

•Original Owner: Cummings & Co., Aylmer, Quebec

•Subsequent Owner: Union Forwarding Co. (acquired in 1868)

•Dimensions: Not available

Vessel Type Description

The Calumet was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, designed to navigate the challenging waterways of Quebec’s river systems. The vessel’s sidewheel propulsion system provided it with the maneuverability and power required to traverse the strong currents and rapids of the Ottawa River region, including the demanding Calumet Rapids. The ship was integral to the transport of goods and passengers, reinforcing its role in regional economic and social development during its years of operation.

History

•Launch and Early Years:

Launched on May 3, 1862, the Calumet began its service under the ownership of Cummings & Co., based in Aylmer, Quebec. The Steamer served as a vital transportation link, facilitating commerce and passenger movement in an area heavily reliant on waterborne transport.

•Ownership Transition:

In 1868, the Union Forwarding Co. acquired the vessel, expanding its operational capacity and solidifying its place within the regional transport network. The company’s investment in the Calumet likely reflects the vessel’s importance and reliability at the time.

•Construction Details:

Built at Bryson by A. Cantin, the Calumet was well-suited to the local environment. Bryson’s strategic location near the Calumet Rapids demanded vessels capable of enduring the turbulent waters. The vessel’s sidewheel design proved effective in navigating these challenging conditions, further cementing its utility.

Final Disposition

•Incident Date: April 13, 1869

•Location: Docked in Bryson, Quebec

•Cause: Fire (unknown origin)

•Outcome: Total destruction

The Calumet was destroyed by fire while docked at Bryson. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, but such tragedies were a common hazard for wooden steamers, given the combination of combustible materials and steam propulsion. The vessel’s complete loss was a significant setback to the local transportation system, depriving the region of a key asset in its waterborne infrastructure.

Impact and Legacy

The destruction of the Calumet underscores the perils faced by steam-powered vessels in the 19th century, particularly those constructed of wood. Its loss would have disrupted local trade and travel, illustrating the region’s dependency on such vessels. Despite its short operational lifespan, the Calumet played a crucial role in advancing the connectivity and commerce of the Ottawa River region.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been recorded related to the Calumet. The wreck’s destruction by fire left no navigational hazard or notable remains.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records documenting vessels, including the Calumet.

•C. Patrick Labadie Collection: Comprehensive resource for historical vessel data.

•Union Forwarding Company Archives: Details on the vessel’s operations under its second ownership.

Conclusion

The Calumet’s story exemplifies the technological progress and operational risks of steam navigation during the 19th century. From its launch in 1862 to its fiery demise in 1869, the Calumet was an essential part of the transportation landscape in Quebec and along the Ottawa River. Its destruction serves as a historical reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden steamers and the resilience of the communities that depended on them.

Keywords

Calumet, Sidewheel Steamer, Bryson Quebec, Cummings & Co., Union Forwarding Co., 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, Ottawa River transportation, Canadian steamers.