Identification & Site Information

•Name: Magnet (later known as Hamilton)

•Type: Steamer (converted to a Barge)

•Build Date: 1847

•Builder: Hull constructed by Alexander Denny & Co., Dunbarton, Scotland; assembled in Niagara, Ontario

•Final Location: Near Texas Landing, Detroit River, Amherstburg, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 173 feet (52.7 metres) originally; 175.2 feet (53.4 metres) after Rebuild

•Beam: 26.7 feet (8.1 metres) originally; 25.2 feet (7.7 metres) after Rebuild

•Depth: 7.6 feet (2.3 metres) originally; 10.8 feet (3.3 metres) after Rebuild

•Tonnage: 433 tons (old measurement); 279 tons after Rebuild

•Propulsion: Sidewheel Steamer with a vertical beam (walking beam) engine, single cylinder 43 1/2” x 10’

Vessel Type Description

The Magnet was a Sidewheel Steamer, a dominant vessel type in the mid-19th century. Known for their speed and reliability, sidewheel steamers revolutionized transportation on the Great Lakes by offering faster and more predictable service than traditional sailing vessels. The Magnet’s iron Hull highlighted the transition to more durable and efficient shipbuilding materials. In its later life, the vessel was converted into a Barge, a common fate for aging steamers.

History

Constructed in 1847, the Magnet had a distinguished career serving the Great Lakes region:

•Initial Service: Built in Scotland and assembled in Niagara, Ontario, the Magnet operated as a passenger and cargo Steamer. It became an essential part of the Royal Mail Line, connecting key ports like Hamilton and Prescott.

•Incidents:

•1849: Sank at Darlington, Ontario, while en route from Kingston to Toronto. The vessel was refloated and resumed service.

•1872: Ran ashore in foggy conditions near Toronto.

•Rebuilds and Modifications:

•1853: Upper cabins were added, enhancing passenger accommodations.

•1859: Underwent a major Rebuild, altering its dimensions and reducing tonnage.

•Fenian Raids (1866): Converted into a gunboat, the Magnet patrolled Lake Ontario, showcasing its adaptability in times of conflict.

•Later Service:

•1909: Acquired by Empire Refining Co., renamed Hamilton, and converted into a Barge for reduced cargo duties.

Final Years

In 1928, the Magnet was Abandoned inside the dock of the Regent Refining Co. near Texas Landing in the Detroit River. By this time, the vessel was heavily modified and deteriorated, marking the end of its operational life.

Final Disposition

The Magnet, renamed Hamilton, was left to decay near Texas Landing in the Detroit River. This fate, typical for many aging vessels, reflects the decline of wooden steamers as they became obsolete in the early 20th century.

Located By & Date

The Magnet was Abandoned in 1928, documented near Texas Landing in Amherstburg, Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Magnet are presumed to be heavily deteriorated, with no significant efforts reported to preserve or document the wreck. It is not considered a prominent dive site due to its condition and location within the Detroit River.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck of the Magnet.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Magnet’s history spans nearly a century of Great Lakes maritime evolution, reflecting the region’s dynamic needs. From its beginnings as a cutting-edge Steamer to its later life as a humble Barge, the vessel served in various capacities, including as a gunboat during the Fenian raids. Its story encapsulates the technological and economic shifts in 19th and early 20th-century maritime operations.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Link

Conclusion

The Magnet stands as a testament to the versatility and resilience of Great Lakes vessels. Its transformation from a passenger Steamer to a cargo Barge illustrates the shifting priorities of maritime industries over time. Though Abandoned, the vessel’s legacy continues to highlight the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.

Tags

•#GreatLakes

•#DetroitRiver

•#MagnetSteamer

•#HamiltonBarge

•#19thCenturyMaritimeHistory

•#FenianRaids

•#Shipwreck

•#GreatLakesTrade

•#MaritimeEvolution

•#TexasLanding