Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Hamilton

•Year of Build: 1896

•Built At: Sand Point, Ontario

•Type: Sidewheel Steamboat

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Number of Decks: 1

•Original Owner: Not specified

•Dimensions (Post-1921 Rebuild):

•Length: 118 feet (36 meters)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Original Gross Tonnage: 320 tons

•Gross Tonnage (Post-1921 Rebuild): 344 tons

Vessel Type Description

The Hamilton was a sidewheel Steamboat, a type of paddle Steamer with wheels mounted on either side of the Hull. This design provided the power necessary for towing heavy log booms along the Ottawa River. Wooden sidewheelers like the Hamilton were central to the region’s 19th-century economy, particularly the timber trade, which relied heavily on waterborne transportation.

History

The Hamilton was launched in 1896, specifically designed to meet the demands of the booming timber industry along the Ottawa River. Its robust sidewheel propulsion system allowed it to tow large log booms efficiently between Chenaux and Chats Falls, two key locations in the timber supply chain.

1921 Rebuild

To extend its operational life, the Hamilton underwent a significant Rebuild in 1921, increasing its dimensions and tonnage. These modifications ensured the vessel remained competitive and capable of handling the increasing demands of its role in the timber industry.

End of Active Service

By 1949, after decades of service, the Hamilton was decommissioned from its active role. However, it was not scrapped or Abandoned; instead, its Hull was repurposed and deliberately sunk at Castleford to anchor a glance boom. This repurposing exemplifies the vessel’s continued contribution to the logging industry even after its operational life had ended.

Final Disposition

•Date of Sinking: 1949

•Purpose: Deliberately sunk at Castleford to anchor a glance boom for logging operations.

•Location: Castleford, Ottawa River

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Hamilton’s submerged Hull remains at Castleford, likely buried or deteriorated due to its wooden construction and extended exposure to the river environment. While its exact condition is undocumented, the site holds historical significance as a relic of the Ottawa River’s timber trade.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Hamilton. Mariners in the area should be aware of the historical significance of the Castleford site and exercise caution when navigating near submerged structures.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

Comprehensive resource on Great Lakes and Ottawa River vessels.

2.Ottawa River Timber Trade Archives:

Historical records detailing the role of vessels like the Hamilton in the timber industry.

3.Local Historical Societies:

Archives in the Ottawa region may provide additional insights and historical records related to the Hamilton.

Conclusion

The Hamilton is emblematic of the indispensable role that sidewheel steamboats played in the development of the Ottawa River’s timber trade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its eventual transformation into a glance boom anchor illustrates the resourcefulness of maritime practices at the time. While its physical remains may have faded, the Hamilton’s legacy endures as a symbol of a bygone era of steam-powered commerce and ingenuity.

Keywords

•Hamilton

•Sidewheel Steamboat

•Ottawa River

•Timber Industry

•Castleford Anchor Boom

•19th-Century Maritime History

•Sand Point Ontario

Glossary

Sidewheel Steamboat:

A vessel propelled by large paddle wheels mounted on its sides, powered by steam engines.

Log Boom:

A floating barrier or chain of logs used to control and direct logs in a waterway.

Glance Boom:

A specialized structure in logging used to guide and contain logs, often anchored to stable structures or the riverbed.