The River Barge Chicago: A Canadian Maritime Legacy

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Chicago

• Registry: Canadian

• Official Number: Not documented

• Built By: J.B. Auger

• Place of Construction: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Year Built: 1872

DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY

• Length: 146.6 feet (44.7 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: Not specified

• Net Tonnage: 350.84 tons

• Capacity: 22,000 bushels

• Rig: Single Mast

• Decks: Single

HISTORY & MODIFICATIONS

The Chicago was a river Barge built to support the grain transport industry along the Canadian waterways. Constructed in 1872, the vessel exemplified the robust design and utility of grain barges of its era, with a substantial capacity of 22,000 bushels.

Lifecycle and Modifications

• 1874: Rated 1 out of 3, with an estimated value of $10,500.

• 1878: Maintained a rating of 1, though its value depreciated to $7,500.

• 1884: Underwent a comprehensive Rebuild, earning an updated rating of A2½.

• 1891: Another refurbishment included the installation of a new Deck.

• 1892: Continued with its A2½ rating, but its valuation dropped further to $5,000.

• 1897: The Barge’s rating declined to B1, reflecting a reduced value of $3,500.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• 1908: The Chicago was Abandoned in the Cataraqui River, near Kingston, Ontario, signaling its obsolescence.

• 1912: Classified as “on hand but of no value” by the Montreal Transportation Co., underscoring its diminished utility.

• 1915: Officially removed from the Canadian shipping register, marking the end of its operational record.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The Cataraqui River, where the Chicago was Abandoned, holds historical significance as a transportation hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Barge’s presence adds to the narrative of Kingston’s maritime past, highlighting the region’s role in facilitating grain trade and the industrial growth of the St. Lawrence corridor.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Montreal Transportation Company Records
• Canadian Vessel Registry

ANALYSIS

The Barge Chicago exemplifies the economic and technological shifts of its time. Initially integral to the grain transport industry, it experienced a gradual decline in relevance due to advancements in shipbuilding and changes in trade practices. The meticulous record of its ratings and valuations over the decades reflects the evolving economic conditions of the late 19th century.

The Chicago’s abandonment in 1908, and eventual removal from the shipping register in 1915, symbolizes the transition from older, less efficient vessels to modern shipping solutions. Its story provides insight into the lifecycle of maritime assets in an era marked by industrial innovation and rapid progress in transportation technology.

KEYWORDS

River Barge, Chicago, Grain Transport, Montreal Transportation Co., Kingston, Cataraqui River, Maritime History, Great Lakes

The Chicago serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and evolution of maritime trade on Canada’s waterways. Its legacy lies not only in its contributions to the grain industry but also in its representation of a bygone era in Canadian maritime history.