Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Riverside

Vessel Type: Steamer (Propeller Vessel)

Build Date: 1892

Builder: Mason, Buffalo, NY

Dimensions:

•Length: 137 feet (after modifications)

•Beam: 19 feet

•Depth: 6 feet

Tonnage: Initially 124 gross tons, reduced to 60 gross tons after modifications

Final Resting Place: Near Hill Island, St. Lawrence River, NY

Coordinates: 44° 21’26.7”N, 75° 55’47.0”W

Depth at Wreck Site: 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Riverside was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven Steamer, designed for versatile use in transporting both passengers and freight. As a common vessel type during the late 19th century, the Steamer was adapted to the busy waterways of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Modifications to its size and structure over the years reflected changing needs, including expanded cargo capacity and efficiency upgrades.

History

The Riverside was launched in 1892 at Buffalo, NY, by the respected shipbuilder Mason. Initially 84.5 feet long, the vessel underwent two expansions—first to 112.5 feet in 1904, and later to 137 feet—marking its adaptability to the evolving demands of maritime commerce. It was powered by a high-pressure, single-propeller engine generating 450hp, suitable for navigating the varied conditions of the region’s waterways.

Ownership and Service

•1899: Owned by W.J. Ziegele of Buffalo, NY.

•1930: Acquired by Wallace W. Holmes of Redwood, NY, who modified the vessel, reducing its Gross Tonnage to 60 tons.

The Riverside operated as a regional transport vessel, contributing to the bustling economic activity along the St. Lawrence River. However, as newer, more efficient vessels emerged, its utility waned.

Final Disposition

In 1940, the Riverside was Abandoned near Cape Vincent, NY. While the exact reasons for its abandonment are unclear, aging technology, maintenance difficulties, and the rise of modern vessels likely played a role. The Steamer was left to rest in shallow waters near Hill Island, becoming part of the area’s rich maritime history.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Riverside was located by local divers and historians exploring the waters near Hill Island in the decades following its abandonment. It has since become a notable site for historical diving.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for the Riverside wreck site. Divers should be mindful of:

•Strong Currents: Common in the St. Lawrence River, which can complicate exploration.

•Variable Visibility: Conditions may fluctuate due to weather and water traffic.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records of vessels like the Riverside.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Context on similar vessels and their operational histories.

•New York State Underwater Archaeology: Information on wrecks in the St. Lawrence River.

•Bowling Green State University Maritime Collection: Additional historical documents on the Riverside.

•Thousand Islands Historical Society: Local archives with potential photographs and records.

Conclusion

The Riverside represents a classic chapter in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime history. Its journey from a bustling regional Steamer to an Abandoned wreck illustrates the evolving challenges and triumphs of 19th and early 20th-century shipping. Today, its resting place near Hill Island offers a unique opportunity for divers and historians to explore a relic of a bygone era, preserving its legacy as a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage.

Keywords

•Riverside shipwreck

•St. Lawrence River shipwrecks

•Hill Island diving sites

•Great Lakes maritime history

•Wooden Steamer wrecks

•Abandoned vessels

•19th-century shipping

•Maritime archaeology

•Historical shipwrecks