IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name:Frontenac
• Vessel Type:Wooden Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1816
• Build Location: Ernestown, Ontario, Canada
• Builder: Constructed by Teabout & Chapman, completed by H. Gildersleeve
• Engine: Provided by Boulton & Watt, London; originally intended for the vessel Alciope
• Dimensions: Length: Approx. 150 feet (45.7 meters) Beam: 30 feet (9.1 meters) Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
• Initial Ownership: Mrs. L. Finkle, Ernestown, Ontario
• Later Ownership: J. & R. Hamilton, St. Catharines, Ontario
• Final Location: Ran aground near Niagara, Lake Ontario
• Status: Destroyed by fire, September 29, 1827

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Frontenac was the first Canadian Steamship to operate on the Great Lakes. As a Sidewheel Steamer, it relied on paddle wheels powered by its steam engine to navigate the lakes. This design, combined with its wooden construction, typified early 19th-century Steamship technology. Its engine from Boulton & Watt reflected cutting-edge industrial advancements of the time.

Despite its pioneering status, the Frontenac was considered underpowered, often struggling to navigate routes effectively. Its performance limitations necessitated creative solutions, including supplementary services using Durham boats for connecting trips along the St. Lawrence River.

Construction and Launch

The construction of the Frontenac began under Teabout & Chapman and was completed by H. Gildersleeve in Ernestown, Ontario, in 1816. Its engine, designed by Boulton & Watt of London, was originally intended for another vessel. The Frontenac made its historic debut on May 6, 1817, becoming the first Canadian Steamship to operate on the Great Lakes.

Service and Operations

The Frontenac primarily served routes between Kingston and Toronto, establishing a milestone in Great Lakes shipping history. However, its underpowered engine made operations challenging, often extending travel times significantly. Management addressed this by supplementing the Frontenac’s routes with Durham boats on the St. Lawrence River.

During the winter of 1821-22, the vessel underwent its first major overhaul since construction, marking its first time out of the water.

On June 23, 1822, the Frontenac collided with the Schooner Lady Maitland near Kingston, sinking the Schooner. Despite this, the Frontenac continued operations until 1827.

Final Voyage and Destruction

On August 19, 1827, the Frontenac embarked on its final journey from Kingston, bound for scrapping. During this trip, the vessel ran aground on a beach near Niagara to facilitate engine removal. Subsequently, it broke free and was towed to safety but was ultimately destroyed by fire on September 29, 1827, marking the end of its service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Date of Incident: September 29, 1827
• Cause: Fire
• Location: Near Niagara, Lake Ontario

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or navigational hazards are associated with the Frontenac’s wreck site.

LEGACY AND SIGNIFICANCE

The Frontenac is remembered as the first Canadian Steamship to ply the waters of the Great Lakes, marking the beginning of steam-powered navigation in the region. Its innovative design and operations represented the dawn of a new era in transportation, even as it struggled with technical limitations.

The vessel’s journey, from its launch in 1817 to its fiery destruction in 1827, highlights both the potential and the challenges of early steam-powered maritime travel. The Frontenac’s pioneering status cements its place in Canadian and Great Lakes maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records of vessels, including the Frontenac.
• Canadian Steamship Archives: Documentation of early Steamship technology and operations.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed accounts of shipwrecks and historical incidents.

KEYWORDS Frontenac, First Canadian Steamship, Boulton & Watt, Lake Ontario Maritime History, Ernestown Shipbuilding, Great Lakes Steamships, Early Steam Technology, 1817 Canadian History.