Mansfield: A Pillar of Ontario’s Maritime History

1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Mansfield

•Year of Build: 1888

•Built at: Ottawa, Ontario

•Type: Steamship (Screw-Propelled)

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Number of Decks: 1

•Original Official Number: 96711

•Length: 105 feet (after Rebuild)

•Beam: 32 feet

•Tonnage (Gross): 121 tons (original), 169 tons (after Rebuild)

2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Mansfield was a wooden Steamship employing a screw-propeller propulsion system, a notable advancement over the Paddlewheel steamers of its era. Measuring 105 feet in length and 32 feet in beam after its Rebuild, the Mansfield was moderately sized and versatile, suitable for both passenger and cargo transport. Its Gross Tonnage of 169 tons post-Rebuild reflects its increased carrying capacity and adaptability to the economic demands of the late 19th century.

3. HISTORY

Construction and Early Service (1888-1896):

Built in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1888, the Mansfield quickly became a vital link in the transportation network of the region. Operating along Ontario’s waterways, the vessel was likely engaged in ferrying passengers and goods, contributing to the economic growth of the surrounding communities. Its screw-propeller design marked it as an efficient and reliable vessel for the time.

Rebuild in 1896:

The Mansfield underwent a substantial Rebuild in Rockland, Ontario, which included structural modifications that increased its tonnage from 121 tons to 169 tons. This upgrade signified its continued value and importance in the local maritime fleet. The Rebuild provided the vessel with enhanced carrying capacity and possibly modernized equipment, allowing it to remain competitive in an evolving maritime industry.

Later Service and Decline:

Post-Rebuild, the Mansfield continued to serve the waterways of Ontario, although detailed records of its operational history are sparse. Like many vessels of its era, it likely faced increased competition from railroads and larger, more modern ships. At some point, the Mansfield was retired and dismantled. The specific circumstances or location of its dismantling remain undocumented.

4. FINAL DISPOSITION

The Mansfield was dismantled at an unspecified location, marking the end of its contributions to Ontario’s maritime history. No wreck or physical remains of the vessel are known to exist, and its dismantling date remains uncertain.

5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories associated with the Mansfield. As the vessel was dismantled, it does not pose a navigational hazard.

6. RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website

•Ottawa Historical Archives: A valuable resource for research into steamships like the Mansfield.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Website

7. ADDITIONAL NOTES

The Mansfield represents an era when wooden steamships were a critical part of Ontario’s transportation network. Its Rebuild in 1896 highlights the vessel’s significance and adaptability, showcasing the effort to maintain such ships in active service. Although its final dismantling marked the end of its physical presence, the Mansfield remains a part of the historical fabric of Ontario’s maritime history.

8. KEYWORDS

•Mansfield

•Steamship

•Ottawa, Ontario

•Rockland, Ontario

•Screw-Propelled Vessel

•19th-Century Maritime History

•Wooden Ship

•Rebuild

•Dismantling

CONCLUSION

The Mansfield, a wooden Steamship built in 1888, reflects the ingenuity and industrious spirit of late 19th-century Ontario. Its screw-propeller propulsion system and later Rebuild in 1896 underscore its importance in the region’s maritime landscape. While details of its dismantling remain obscure, the Mansfield’s legacy as a vital transport link endures in the annals of Great Lakes history.