Wellington (1856, Steamer) – Comprehensive Historical Overview

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Wellington
• Year Built: 1856
• Vessel Type: Steamer (Sidewheel)
• Rigging: Sloop-rigged
• Built At: Garden Island, Ontario
• Builder: Henry Rooney
• Original Owners: Hooker, Jacques & Company, Montreal, Quebec
• Specifications Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Number of Masts: 1
• Propulsion: Sidewheel Steamer Powered by machinery repurposed from the Steamer Britannia (1833).
• Dimensions: Length: 171.4 feet (52.2 m) Beam: 25.4 feet (7.7 m) Depth: 10.4 feet (3.2 m)
• Tonnage: Net: 519 tons Reduced to 400 gross tons in later service.

Chronology and Service History

Early Years (1856–1861):

The Wellington was launched in 1856 at Garden Island, Ontario, and was owned by Hooker, Jacques & Company, a Montreal-based firm. Originally, the vessel was a Sidewheel Steamer, used for general freight and passenger service in the busy St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes shipping routes.

Ownership Change (1861):

By 1861, the vessel was acquired by Calvin, et al., a partnership associated with Dexter D. Calvin and other prominent maritime entrepreneurs from Garden Island. At this point, the Wellington may have been adapted for more specific commercial purposes.

Transition to Tug Service (1866–1869):

• In 1866, records show the Wellington was repurposed as a Tug. The vessel was likely used to tow barges and other sailing vessels on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, where timber and bulk cargo transport was in high demand.
• By 1868, the Wellington was listed as a “river Tug,” indicating its specialized role in navigating the challenging currents of the St. Lawrence River. During this time, the vessel underwent repairs to extend its operational life.

Tonnage Revisions:

The vessel’s tonnage was recorded as 512 tons in 1863 but later adjusted to 400 gross tons by 1869. The change likely reflects modifications to the vessel’s structure and use as a Tugboat, which reduced its overall cargo capacity.

Final Disposition

• Date of Sinking: Approximately 1875 (exact circumstances unknown).
• Location: Likely within the Garden Island area, where it was operating as a river Tug.
• Final Status (1881): On July 7, 1881, reports indicate that the Wellington had been sunk for 5–6 years, with plans to raise the wreck. It is unclear whether these plans were carried out, and there is no further record of the vessel’s recovery.

Significance

The Wellington is a prime example of the adaptability of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River vessels in the 19th century. Initially built as a Sidewheel Steamer, the vessel’s repurposing as a river Tug demonstrates the ingenuity of shipowners like Calvin, who found new uses for aging ships in a changing economic landscape. Its machinery, repurposed from the older Britannia (1833), also highlights the practice of salvaging and reusing key components to save costs and extend service life.

Builder – Henry Rooney

Henry Rooney was a notable shipbuilder based on Garden Island, Ontario, which was a major hub for shipbuilding in the mid-19th century. Rooney collaborated with leading maritime entrepreneurs like Dexter D. Calvin to produce durable vessels for freight, passenger, and towing services.

Legacy and Historical Insights

The Wellington played a vital role in supporting timber, grain, and cargo transport in one of the busiest trade corridors in North America. Its multiple roles—Steamer, Tugboat, and eventually a river Tug—reflect the evolution of shipping needs in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system during the mid-to-late 19th century.

Resources for Further Research

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• National Archives of Canada: Look for shipping registries and repair logs related to the Wellington.
• Library and Archives Canada: Potential shipbuilding records from Garden Island and Henry Rooney.
• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Houses the Calvin collection
• Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 4). Garden Island (Ontario). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:36, January 24, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Garden_Island_(Ontario)&oldid=1188324974