IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Maggie Bell

Year of Build: 1874

Built at: Hull, Quebec, by A. Miller

Type: Sidewheel Steamship (Towboat)

Hull Materials: Wood

Number of Decks: 1

Original Official Number: 71192

Dimensions (Post-Rebuild):

•Length: 133 feet (40.5 meters)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

Tonnage (Gross): 372 tons

Engine: 37×96, manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1854

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Maggie Bell was a wooden-hulled, sidewheel Steamship designed as a Towboat. Sidewheel steamships like the Maggie Bell were equipped with paddle wheels mounted on each side of the vessel, providing propulsion. This design was well-suited for navigating rivers, canals, and confined waterways. The vessel’s primary role was towing barges and assisting other ships, making it a key player in maintaining the flow of goods along critical Canadian waterways like the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal.

HISTORY

The Maggie Bell entered service in 1874 for the Ottawa & Rideau Forwarding Co., reflecting the vessel’s integral role in the bustling maritime trade of the late 19th century. Towboats like the Maggie Bell were essential for moving cargo and assisting vessels through rivers and canals, vital to supporting the regional economy.

Key Ownership Timeline:

•1874: Owned by Ottawa & Rideau Forwarding Co., launched on May 11.

•1875: Ownership transferred to D. S. Eastwood in Ottawa, Ontario.

•1882–1886: Operated by J. G. Ross in Quebec, continuing its service in maritime trade.

Rebuild in 1890:

The Maggie Bell underwent a significant Rebuild in 1890, extending its operational life. The vessel retained its original official number, 71192, after the Rebuild. This likely included structural enhancements and updates to its machinery, reflecting the adaptability and importance of the vessel in regional maritime operations.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Maggie Bell was officially “Removed from Register – Broken Up,” indicating it was dismantled and scrapped at the end of its service life. The decision to break up the vessel likely stemmed from its age and the evolving needs of the maritime industry. The dismantling process involved salvaging usable materials such as wood and metal components, marking the vessel’s final contribution to the maritime economy.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Maggie Bell. Its final dismantling and removal from service eliminated any navigation concerns related to the vessel.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records on Great Lakes vessels, including towboats like the Maggie Bell.

•Ottawa Historical Archives: Provides detailed accounts of the Maggie Bell’s role in the region’s maritime activities.

CONCLUSION

The Maggie Bell was a vital part of Canada’s 19th-century maritime history, serving as a Towboat for nearly two decades. Its robust construction and adaptability through multiple ownership changes and a significant Rebuild highlight its importance in the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal transportation networks. Although the vessel was dismantled, its legacy remains an essential chapter in the history of Canadian steamships and towboats.

KEYWORDS

Maggie Bell, Sidewheel Steamship, Towboat, Hull Quebec, Ottawa River, Rideau Canal, Maritime History, Wooden Steamship, J. G. Ross, D. S. Eastwood, 19th-Century Shipbuilding.