IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Ringleader
• Type: Steam Screw Vessel (Steam Barge)
• Dimensions: Length: 112.9 feet (34.4 meters) Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters) Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
• •Location: Carnegie Bay, Alexandria Bay, New York, St. Lawrence River
• •Coordinates: 44°20’49.78”N, 75°59’45.63”W
• •Final Fate: Burned on December 21, 1917, at Alexandria Bay, NY
• •Depth at Wreck Site: 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Ringleader was a Steam Screw Vessel initially built as a scow sloop and later Rebuilt as a steam Barge. Its wooden construction and multiple rebuilds reflected its adaptability and the functional diversity required for maritime operations on the St. Lawrence River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel’s design evolved to meet the growing demands of trade and infrastructure in the region.

HISTORY

Construction and Early History

The Ringleader was constructed in 1889 in Alexandria Bay, NY, with U.S. official number 110825. Initially built as a scow sloop with a single mast, it measured 56.4 feet in length with a Gross Tonnage of 31.5 tons. George Hoadley of Alexandria Bay was its first owner, and the vessel served as a versatile workhorse, participating in the bustling trade on the St. Lawrence River.

Rebuilds and Modifications

• 1893 Rebuild: Converted into a steam Barge in Alexandria Bay, increasing its dimensions to 87.4 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 76.41 tons.
• 1896 Modifications: Further enlarged to 108.4 feet in length, with additional design changes including a round Stern. The Gross Tonnage increased to 96.73 tons.
• 1903 Rebuild: Final modification brought the vessel to its largest size of 112.9 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and 9 feet in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 121 tons.

The vessel changed ownership multiple times during its operational life, with notable owners such as Daniel Springer, Alfred A. Holmes, and Franklin E. Wood.

Final Fate

On December 21, 1917, the Ringleader caught fire while moored at Alexandria Bay. The fire consumed the vessel, reducing it to a burned Hull. Remarkably, no lives were lost in the incident. The wreckage was scuttled or Abandoned, with its documents surrendered in Cape Vincent on September 30, 1921.

THE DIVE SITE: CARNEGIE BAY

Key Features

• Wreck Dimensions: Approximately 110 feet in length and 18 feet in width, consistent with the Ringleader’s final specifications.
• Depth: Ranges between 5 to 10 feet (1.5–3 meters), accessible for snorkelers and divers alike.
• Notable Elements: A visible smoke stack at the northeast corner of the wreck.

The wreck is scattered but still recognizable, offering a compelling site for history enthusiasts and divers. Its shallow depth and historical significance make it a popular dive location.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Ringleader served as an integral part of the St. Lawrence River’s maritime infrastructure. Its history of rebuilds, reflecting shifts in technology and trade needs, showcases the adaptability and resourcefulness of the era. Its destruction by fire and subsequent abandonment mark the end of an era for the vessel, but its remains in Carnegie Bay continue to tell the story of the vibrant maritime activities of the St. Lawrence River.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive documentation on vessels like the Ringleader.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical records and accounts.
• Watertown Daily Times: Archives featuring articles about the Ringleader’s service and demise.
• Cape Vincent Eagle: Local historical records.
• •Wrecksite Database: Additional insights on the Ringleader and similar vessels.

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the Ringleader in Carnegie Bay serves as a poignant reminder of the St. Lawrence River’s rich maritime history. From its construction in 1889 to its fiery demise in 1917, the Ringleader witnessed the evolution of trade, technology, and community life in the region. Today, its remnants provide a window into the past, inviting exploration and remembrance of the industrious spirit that defined the era.