IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Rideau Belle

Year of Build: 1885

Built At: Kingston, Ontario

Type: Steam Barge

Hull Materials: Wood

Number of Decks: 1

Original Length: 85 feet

Rebuilt Length: 69 feet

Beam: 15 feet

Depth: 6 feet (after second Rebuild)

Gross Tonnage: 89 tons (original)

Final Location: West Bay, Sand Lake, near Davis Lock, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

Official Number: 88566

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Rideau Belle was a wooden steam Barge built for service on the Rideau Canal, a critical link between Kingston and Ottawa. With an original Gross Tonnage of 89 tons and a length of 85 feet, it was designed for efficient transport of goods and passengers. Powered by a Screw Propulsion system, it embodied the robust and practical designs of late 19th-century canal vessels.

HISTORY

The Rideau Belle was constructed in 1885 in Kingston, Ontario. Over its decade-long service life, the vessel underwent significant changes to adapt to evolving needs:

•1886 Rebuild: Shortly after its launch, the vessel was Rebuilt. While details of the modifications are scarce, the Rebuild suggests an effort to improve performance or address operational challenges.

•Ownership Changes: Initially owned by D. Noonan of Kingston, it was later acquired by E. & W. H. Fleming of Elgin, Ontario, in 1893, reflecting its active role in the Rideau Canal’s maritime trade.

•Second Rebuild: A major modification reduced the vessel’s length to 69 feet, maintaining its beam and depth while retaining its Screw Propulsion system.

Throughout its operational life, the Rideau Belle served as an essential asset for transporting goods and navigating the Rideau Canal, contributing to regional commerce and connectivity.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On December 3, 1895, while laid up for the winter in West Bay of Sand Lake near Davis Lock, the Rideau Belle was destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it completely consumed the vessel, marking the end of its service. The incident occurred at a historically significant location along the Rideau Canal, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The loss of the Rideau Belle was a blow to its owners and the local community, as the vessel had become a familiar and valued presence on the waterway.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck or site of the Rideau Belle have been recorded.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Rideau Canal Archives: Documents the history of vessels and commerce on the Rideau Canal.

•Kingston Maritime History Collection: Provides insights into shipbuilding in Kingston, Ontario, and the vessels that operated in the region.

•Parks Canada – Rideau Canal: Offers historical and visitor information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

CONCLUSION

The Rideau Belle played a vital role in the history of the Rideau Canal, adapting through rebuilds and changes in ownership to meet the demands of its time. Its destruction by fire in 1895 ended a significant chapter in the canal’s maritime history. Despite its loss, the vessel’s story contributes to the legacy of the Rideau Canal, showcasing the challenges and importance of canal-based transport during the 19th century.

KEYWORDS

Rideau Belle, Steam Barge, Rideau Canal, Sand Lake, Davis Lock, 19th-century maritime history, Wooden shipwreck, Kingston Ontario, Maritime fire.