Shipwreck Report: Alberta

Name: Alberta

Type: Originally a Sloop, later Rebuilt as a Steam Barge

Built At: Cape Vincent, New York, USA

Construction Year: 1885 (as a sloop)

Rebuilt: 1890 (as a steam Barge)

Original Official Number: 106355

Canadian Official Number: C103648 (after 1898 sale to Canadian ownership)

Vessel Type Description

The Alberta began its life as a wooden sloop, a single-masted sailing vessel commonly used for short-distance trade and coastal navigation in the 19th century. By 1890, the Alberta was Rebuilt as a steam Barge, a vessel type that marked the transition to steam-powered cargo transport on the Great Lakes. With its extended length and increased cargo capacity, the steam Barge became a workhorse of the era, allowing for more efficient freight handling across longer routes.

History

The Alberta was constructed in 1885 at Cape Vincent, New York, as a modest sloop measuring 68.9 feet in length and 46.23 gross tons. It operated as a versatile cargo vessel, likely serving regional trade routes.

In 1890, the vessel underwent significant modifications at Cape Vincent, transforming into a steam Barge. The reconstruction lengthened the ship to 98.5 feet and increased its Gross Tonnage to 88 tons. This upgrade allowed the Alberta to handle larger loads and compete with the growing demand for efficient cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. By 1898, the Alberta had changed hands, entering Canadian ownership under Captain Smith and Amanda Smith of Belleville, Ontario.

The Alberta’s operational life ended tragically on October 8, 1902, when the vessel caught fire while traveling between Belleville and Trenton, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. Despite the complete destruction of the ship, all aboard survived. At the time of its loss, the Alberta was not carrying any cargo and was valued at $3,000.

Incident Details

• Date of Incident: October 8, 1902

• Location: Between Belleville and Trenton, Ontario, Lake Ontario

• Cause of Loss: Fire, resulting in the total destruction of the vessel

• Casualties: None

• Value of Vessel at Time of Incident: $3,000

Final Disposition

The Alberta was completely destroyed by fire, leaving no recoverable remains. The incident highlights the inherent dangers of operating steam-powered vessels during an era when fire safety was still a significant challenge.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No remnants of the Alberta are expected to exist due to the nature of its destruction. The location between Belleville and Trenton on Lake Ontario does not hold any accessible wreckage, making the site a historical point of interest rather than a dive location.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Keywords

Alberta, steam Barge, sloop, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, fire, Cape Vincent, Belleville, Trenton, Great Lakes maritime history

Analysis

The Alberta represents the evolution of Great Lakes shipping during a period of significant technological change. Originally built as a sailing sloop, the vessel’s transformation into a steam Barge allowed it to meet the increasing demands of industrial-era cargo transportation. However, the Alberta’s loss in 1902 underscores the risks faced by steam-powered vessels, particularly the danger of fire at sea. While the ship’s remains are long gone, its history provides valuable insight into the challenges and advancements of 19th-century maritime navigation on the Great Lakes.