History of the Steamer ARGYLE

Construction & Specifications

• Built: 1864 by A.M. Robertson, Hamilton, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 94 feet (28.7 meters)

• Beam: 14 feet (4.3 meters)

• Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 121 tons

• Net: 82 tons

• Initial Owner: W. Ellis, Dundas, Ontario

The ARGYLE was a paddle Steamer initially intended for passenger and cargo transportation. Its modest dimensions and Paddlewheel propulsion made it a versatile vessel for the relatively shallow and confined waters of Lake Erie and surrounding areas.

Ownership History

The vessel was originally owned by W. Ellis of Dundas, Ontario, before later ownership transitioned to Graham & Co. of St. Catharines, which was responsible for its operation during its later years of service.

Notable Incident: August 1877

In August 1877, the ARGYLE faced a catastrophic mishap near Port Rowan, Ontario, on Lake Erie:

1. Collision with a Dock:

The vessel struck a dock, tearing a 6×6 foot hole in its Hull, leaving it in a precarious, sinking condition.

2. Passenger Rescue:

The Steamer was carrying passengers at the time. Many of them were rescued by the propeller DOMINION, ensuring that there were no reported casualties in the incident.

3. Challenges in Salvage Efforts:

Salvaging the ARGYLE proved difficult due to legal restrictions:

• Canadian authorities prohibited the use of U.S. wrecking equipment, including a steam pump from Buffalo.

• A representative from the insurance company stepped in to prevent Total Loss, manually sealing the large breach in the Hull and bailing out water by hand.

Outcome of the Incident

Despite the significant damage and initial doubts about its survival, the swift intervention to patch and bail the vessel averted its immediate sinking. However, records suggest that the incident marked a turning point in the vessel’s operational life, with no further documentation of its service following this mishap.

Legacy

The ARGYLE’s story highlights the challenges of 19th-century maritime operations on the Great Lakes, including:

• The vulnerability of paddle steamers to collisions and structural failures.

• The legal and logistical hurdles in cross-border rescue and salvage efforts during this era.

External Links & Resources

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Comprehensive records of vessels that plied the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes Ships

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Detailed accounts of shipwrecks and maritime incidents.

• Bowling Green State University – Historical Collections

A repository for historical maritime photographs and documentation.

• Photograph of ARGYLE (Digital Library of Wisconsin):

A historic photograph of the Steamer ARGYLE is preserved here:

ARGYLE Photograph

Conclusion

The ARGYLE, built in 1864, was a testament to the ingenuity and challenges of early Great Lakes navigation. Its dramatic near-sinking in 1877 near Port Rowan underscores the precarious nature of 19th-century lake transportation, particularly for paddle steamers. While its ultimate fate is unclear, the efforts to save it reflect the resourcefulness and determination of its operators and salvagers in an era fraught with maritime risks.