IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name:

LION

Registry:

Canadian

Built By:

George Tait

Place of Construction:

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Year Built:

1863

Length:

107.8 feet (32.86 meters)

Gross Tonnage:

203.28 tons

Capacity:

13,000 bushels

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The LION was a river Barge, a vital component of the 19th-century grain trade on the St. Lawrence River. Constructed in 1863 by George Tait in Montreal, the Barge was designed for transporting bulk cargo, specifically grain, between ports along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. With a significant carrying capacity of 13,000 bushels, it played a key role in the bustling grain trade of the time. Its robust wooden construction reflected the demands of river navigation, enabling it to endure the rigorous conditions of commercial transport.

HISTORY

The LION enjoyed an eventful service life from its launch in 1863 until its dramatic end in 1884. Initially owned by its builder, George Tait, the Barge operated as a dependable cargo carrier. Over the years, it changed ownership multiple times, including being sold to J.H. Henderson in 1869-70 and later to the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Co. from 1874 to 1883. These companies utilized the Barge to transport grain and other goods essential to the economy of the Great Lakes region.

Key Incidents:

•Damage at Lachine Canal (1880):

The LION was involved in an incident when the Steamer Bohemian caused significant damage to Lock Two of the Lachine Canal. The presence of seven barges, including the LION, made the event a notable logistical challenge.

•Repair History:

The LION underwent multiple repairs during its operational life, including significant overhauls in 1870-71 and 1875, ensuring its continued utility in the grain trade.

Explosive Finale

In 1884, the Kingston Ontario Dominion Day Celebration Committee purchased the LION for $125, intending to use it for a dramatic public spectacle. Originally, another vessel, the Convoy, was considered for this event, but the LION was ultimately chosen.

Preparation for Explosion:

The Barge was:

•Fitted with three masts and yards to give it the appearance of a fully rigged ship.

•Decorated with Chinese lanterns for visual appeal.

•Painted for theatrical effect to enhance its role as a centerpiece.

On July 1, 1884, during Dominion Day festivities, the LION was anchored off Murney Tower in Kingston Harbor and packed with 500 lbs of gunpowder. The resulting explosion created a spectacular display, scattering debris across the harbor and leaving a lasting impression on the public. The event highlighted the use of maritime vessels as cultural symbols in public celebrations.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The LION was completely destroyed during the Dominion Day explosion. Its remains were scattered throughout Kingston Harbor, marking the end of its maritime and celebratory role. The vessel was removed from the Canadian ship registry on April 27, 1899, officially closing its chapter in maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

(Comprehensive database on Great Lakes vessels and events)

KEYWORDS

•LION

•River Barge

•Montreal Shipbuilding

•St. Lawrence River Trade

•Kingston Dominion Day Explosion

•19th-Century Maritime History

•Great Lakes Grain Transport

ANALYSIS

The LION’s journey from a hardworking grain Barge to a symbolic participant in a public spectacle captures the multifaceted nature of 19th-century maritime life. Its explosive end during Dominion Day celebrations reflects the cultural significance of maritime vessels in the region’s heritage. While its functional purpose was to support trade and transportation, the LION’s destruction showcased the public’s appetite for grand displays and the creative repurposing of aging vessels. The story of the LION stands as a vivid example of how Great Lakes maritime history intertwines with cultural and economic narratives.