Vessel Report: James Bardon No.7 / Corona / Freedom

IDENTIFICATION & VESSEL INFORMATION

• Original Name: James Bardon No.7

• Subsequent Names:

• Corona (Official Number: 126850)

• Freedom (1927)

• Type: Propeller Steam Tug

• Construction:

• Year Built: 1879 (as James Bardon No.7)

• Builder: Lockport, New York

• Hull Material: Wood

SPECIFICATIONS

As James Bardon No.7 (1879)

• Length: 69 feet

• Beam (Width): 15 feet

• Depth: 7 feet

• Gross Tonnage: 51 tons

• Net Tonnage: 26 tons

As Corona (1892)

• Length: 64 feet

• Beam (Width): 16.5 feet

• Depth: 7.5 feet

• Gross Tonnage: 27 tons

• Net Tonnage: 13 tons

Post-Rebuild (1907)

• Length: 64.25 feet

• Beam: 17 feet

• Depth: 6 feet

• Gross Tonnage: Adjusted to 48 tons (1926)

• Net Tonnage: Adjusted to 32 tons (1926)

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

James Bardon No.7 (1879–1890)

• Built in Lockport, New York, for use as a steam Tug.

• Tragically destroyed by fire on November 10, 1890, on the St. Louis River near Duluth Harbor, Lake Superior.

• Incident Details: The fire caused the vessel’s Total Loss. Specific details about potential casualties are not documented.

Corona (1892–1927)

• Rebuilt in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1892 after the loss of James Bardon No.7.

• Underwent modifications in 1907, increasing its dimensions slightly and likely enhancing its capabilities.

• Operated in various roles on the Great Lakes, likely including towing and light cargo transport.

Freedom (1927–?)

• Renamed Freedom in 1927.

• Operated under its final name until its ultimate disposition, which is not detailed in the available records.

SIGNIFICANCE IN MARITIME HISTORY

The James Bardon No.7, later known as Corona and Freedom, highlights the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite being Rebuilt and renamed multiple times, the vessel remained an active part of the Great Lakes maritime community for nearly five decades.

Its initial loss by fire and subsequent Rebuild as the Corona demonstrates the determination of maritime operators to recover and repurpose valuable assets. The renaming to Freedom in 1927 further reflects the vessel’s evolution and continued service.

POTENTIAL WRECK INFORMATION

• James Bardon No.7: Likely destroyed by fire in 1890. Wreckage may remain near Duluth Harbor on the St. Louis River.

• Corona / Freedom: Its ultimate fate is not documented, leaving room for further research to determine whether it was lost, scrapped, or Abandoned.

CONCLUSION

The James Bardon No.7 / Corona / Freedom serves as a testament to the dynamic history of Great Lakes vessels, evolving with the needs of the shipping industry. Its storied past reflects the challenges faced by mariners and shipowners during a transformative period in maritime history.

External Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Bowling Green State University
• Great Lakes Ships
• Shipwrecks Along Lake Superior’s North Shore: A Diver’s Guide
• Proceedings of the … annual meeting of the Board of Supervising …, Part 1