Shipwreck Report: Mohawk River Concrete Barges

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Site Name: Mohawk River Concrete Barges

• Location: Mohawk River, New York

• Coordinates: Specific locations not documented but scattered along the river

• Wreck Type: Abandoned concrete barges

• Depth: Shallow waters along riverbanks

• Construction Material: Reinforced concrete

• Year Built: World War I (circa 1917-1918), with potential additions during World War II

• Purpose: Transportation and wartime industrial support

• Current Condition: Partially submerged and Abandoned; visible in some areas depending on water levels.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The concrete barges were designed as sturdy, durable alternatives to steel vessels during periods of steel shortages in World War I and World War II. Made entirely of reinforced concrete, they were engineered to carry bulk goods along waterways. Although unconventional, their resilience and ease of construction made them effective for industrial and wartime logistics.

HISTORY

The concrete barges of the Mohawk River are relics of a unique chapter in maritime history. Their story is intertwined with innovation, adaptability, and the challenges of wartime economies:

1. Construction and Wartime Service:

• Built during World War I, these barges addressed the critical shortage of steel, a material essential for weapons and military equipment.

• The success of concrete in shipbuilding inspired additional production during World War II for cargo transportation and support roles.

2. Industrial Role on the Mohawk River:

• The barges became integral to transporting goods along the Mohawk River, a vital artery for New York’s industrial economy.

• They supported industries that relied on the river for moving raw materials and finished goods, playing a pivotal role in regional growth.

3. Obsolescence and Abandonment:

• Post-war, as steel became more readily available and concrete was no longer economical for vessel construction, the barges were deemed obsolete.

• Many were Abandoned along the riverbanks, left to deteriorate as their utility faded.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Cause of Loss: Decommissioning and abandonment due to obsolescence after wartime.

• Remains: Partially submerged concrete hulls along the Mohawk River. Their reinforced concrete construction has ensured they endure decades after abandonment.

• Efforts for Preservation: While largely unprotected, the barges are studied and documented by historians and local enthusiasts as artifacts of industrial and wartime ingenuity.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The concrete barges are visible along the Mohawk River, depending on water levels and specific locations. Many are in an advanced state of decay, with vegetation overtaking their structures. They remain accessible for historical and archaeological exploration, though caution is advised due to their deteriorated state.

SIGNIFICANCE

The concrete barges of the Mohawk River are an enduring testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of human innovation during times of crisis. They highlight the river’s critical role as a transportation hub and the broader industrial evolution of the region.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with these barges. Boaters on the Mohawk River should exercise caution near visible wrecks, particularly during low water levels, as submerged hazards may be present.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: For similar examples of concrete vessels.

• Local Historical Societies: Including the Schenectady County Historical Society and other regional archives.

• Shipwreck Exploration Groups: Engage with local organizations conducting historical surveys of the Mohawk River.

CONCLUSION

The Abandoned concrete barges in the Mohawk River are more than mere relics; they are a chapter in the story of industrial resilience and adaptation. Their presence serves as a reminder of the innovative responses to wartime demands and the fleeting nature of industrial progress. As silent witnesses to a transformative era, they continue to captivate historians, divers, and enthusiasts, preserving a legacy etched in concrete beneath the waters of the Mohawk River.

KEYWORDS

#MohawkRiver #ConcreteBarges #IndustrialHeritage #WartimeInnovation #MaritimeHistory #Shipwrecks #NewYorkHistory #GreatLakesMaritime