IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Kingston (later Bavarian, Algerian, Cornwall)
• Type: Steam-powered Paddle Wheeler
• Dimensions:
• Length: 175 feet (53.3 meters)
• Beam: 27 feet (8.2 meters)
• Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)
• Construction: Wood, two decks
• Built: 1855, Montreal, Quebec
• Final Resting Place: Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44 08.267’, W 76 37.144’
• Depth at Wreck Site: 70 feet (21 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Kingston was a steam-powered paddle wheeler built for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. These vessels featured side-mounted paddle wheels, which made them ideal for navigating the region’s inland waterways during the 19th century.

HISTORY

Early Service (1855–1872) as Kingston

Built in 1855 in Montreal, the Kingston began as a passenger and cargo vessel, connecting communities across the Great Lakes. The mid-19th century was the height of paddle wheeler operations, and the vessel played a vital role in regional transportation and commerce.

Rebuilds and Renames (1872–1930)

• 1872–1874: Rebuilt in Montreal and renamed Bavarian. The vessel survived two major fires during this time, one in 1872 and another in 1873, which necessitated additional repairs.
• 1874–1904: After further reconstruction in Kingston, Ontario, the vessel was renamed Algerian. It experienced several accidents, including a collision on August 2, 1889, near Morrisburg, Ontario. Despite these challenges, it continued operations.
• 1904–1930: Renamed Cornwall and transitioned to a salvage vessel role. This final phase saw it operating until its retirement in 1930.

FINAL DISPOSITION

After its retirement, the Cornwall was deliberately scuttled in 1930 near Amherst Island. This location, near a ship graveyard, was chosen to manage obsolete vessels systematically.

The wreck was rediscovered in 1989 by diver Rick Neilson, lying relatively intact in 70 feet (21 meters) of freshwater. The site now serves as a popular dive location, attracting both recreational divers and maritime historians.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck, but divers should be cautious of potential hazards such as deteriorated wooden structures and limited Visibility.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The cold freshwater of Lake Ontario has preserved much of the wreck. The structure remains relatively intact, though natural deterioration from age and its deliberate sinking is evident.

•Accessibility: At a depth of 70 feet (21 meters), the site is accessible to recreational divers. Its proximity to a known ship graveyard adds historical value, making it a notable destination for exploring the region’s maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive historical data.
• Inland Seas Journal: Contextual insights into Great Lakes maritime activities.
• Dept. of Marine and Fisheries Annual Reports (1872, 1873): Official records of the vessel’s incidents and rebuilds.
• •River Palace (by Rick Neilson and Walter Lewis): Detailed accounts of the vessel’s history and discovery.

KEYWORDS

Kingston, Algerian, Cornwall, Paddle Wheeler, Lake Ontario, Amherst Island, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Rick Neilson, Dive Site.

ANALYSIS

The Kingston, later Cornwall, encapsulates the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes paddle wheelers during a transformative period in regional maritime history. From its construction in 1855 to its scuttling in 1930, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds and roles, reflecting the shifting demands of commerce, transportation, and salvage. Its discovery has added a valuable chapter to the study of 19th- and early 20th-century shipwrecks, with its relatively preserved condition offering insights into the era’s shipbuilding and operational practices.

Today, the wreck continues to intrigue divers and historians, standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of Great Lakes maritime history.

3D Model

Cornwall by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab