Identification

• Name: THERESA T

• Vessel Type: Coal Barge

• Final Location: Kingston Inner Harbor

Construction and Ownership

• Type: Wooden coal Barge

• Original Purpose: Transporting bulk coal cargoes on the Great Lakes

History

The THERESA T was a coal Barge, part of the industrial activity that dominated the Great Lakes shipping industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These barges were critical for moving bulk cargoes like coal, which powered the burgeoning industries and cities around the region.

In its later years, the THERESA T was among the vessels Abandoned in Kingston’s Inner Harbor, near the Canadian Dredge & Dock (CD&D) facility. Its exact date of abandonment is not specified, but it likely became surplus following the decline of Kingston’s prominence as a port after the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s.

Final Disposition

• The THERESA T was Abandoned in the Kingston Inner Harbor.

• Its remains, like many others in the harbor, contributed to the accumulation of hulks in the area.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The THERESA T likely lies buried in the silty waters of the Kingston Inner Harbor, obscured by landfill and sediment. While specific surveys have not detailed its current condition, it is presumed to be deteriorated and inaccessible without archaeological efforts.

Significance

The abandonment of the THERESA T reflects the challenges faced by aging vessels during a time of industrial change. As Kingston’s harbor activity diminished, vessels like the THERESA T became obsolete and were left to decay, marking the transition of the city from an industrial hub to a quieter historical site.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Historical Studies: Archaeological assessments of Kingston Inner Harbor vessels

Tags

• Great Lakes Shipwrecks

• Coal Barge

• Kingston Inner Harbor

• Maritime History

Conclusion

The THERESA T stands as a silent testament to the industrial past of Kingston’s Inner Harbor. Once a vital link in the coal supply chain, it now remains part of the submerged legacy of the region’s maritime history. The vessel’s story, like many others in the harbor, is one of utility, obsolescence, and eventual abandonment, offering a glimpse into the changing dynamics of Great Lakes commerce.