Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Forest Queen

•Type: Sidewheel Steamboat (later Tugboat)

•Builder: Pembroke, Ontario

•Year Built: Not specified

•Dimensions: Length: 142 feet (43.3 meters)

•Initial Purpose: Passenger transportation

•Later Purpose: Tugboat

•Final Incident: Destroyed by fire

Vessel Type Description

The Forest Queen was a 142-foot sidewheel Steamboat, a common design in the mid-19th century, known for its ability to navigate shallow waters and provide efficient transportation. Initially constructed to carry passengers, it later transitioned into a Tugboat, showcasing the adaptability of steamboats to meet changing regional demands. Its design and operations reflect the evolution of maritime services in the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.

History

The Forest Queen began its service in Pembroke, Ontario, as a passenger vessel, playing a crucial role in connecting communities along the waterways. It likely facilitated trade, personal travel, and goods transportation, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the area.

As passenger transport services diminished in demand, the Forest Queen was repurposed into a Tugboat. This transformation allowed the vessel to remain operational, supporting industrial activities such as towing and assisting other ships. Such conversions were typical for steamboats as their utility shifted from passenger services to industrial support during the later 19th century.

Final Disposition

On May 30, 1874, while navigating Allumette Lake near Cushing Island, the Forest Queen was consumed by a devastating fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it completely destroyed the vessel, burning it down to the waterline.

Tragically, the fire claimed the life of Miss Maggie Cavanagh, who served as the vessel’s cook. Details surrounding the fire and her loss remain sparse, leaving a somber note in the vessel’s history.

Located By & Date

The precise location of the Forest Queen’s wreckage has not been identified. It is unclear whether the remains sank or were entirely consumed by fire, leaving no significant wreckage to locate or study.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Obstructions: No documented obstructions related to the Forest Queen exist in navigational charts.

•Marking: The site of the fire and destruction is not currently marked on modern maps, as the vessel was burned and not submerged.

Resources & Links

For additional research and historical context, consider these resources:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Library and Archives Canada

Conclusion

The Forest Queen’s life and destruction provide a window into the maritime history of Pembroke, Ontario, and the broader Great Lakes region. Initially celebrated as a passenger vessel, it adapted to changing times by becoming a Tugboat. Its tragic end by fire underscores the risks inherent in maritime operations of the era. The loss of Miss Maggie Cavanagh adds a personal and human element to the vessel’s legacy, ensuring it remains a poignant part of the region’s historical narrative.

Keywords

•Forest Queen

•Sidewheel Steamboat

•Tugboat

•Pembroke, Ontario

•Maritime History

•Allumette Lake

•Cushing Island

•19th-Century Transportation

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks