Identification

• Vessel Name: ARGYLE (renamed GLENGARRY in 1886)
• Year Built: 1872
• •Official Number: 90537
• Type: Screw Steamer (later Rebuilt as a steam Barge)

Construction and Ownership

• Built at: St. Catharines, Ontario
• Builder: L. Shickluna
• Original Engine: 36×30 by G. N. Oill, St. Catharines
• Later Engine: 21-34×32 by G. N. Oill
• Hull Dimensions
  Original Dimensions: Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters) Beam: 23 feet (7 meters) Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters) Tonnage: 494 gross tons
  Rebuild (1886): Length: 170 feet (51.8 meters) Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters) Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters) Tonnage: 626 gross tons

History

The ARGYLE, later renamed GLENGARRY, was a versatile vessel built in 1872 in St. Catharines, Ontario, by renowned shipbuilder L. Shickluna. Initially a screw Steamer, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds during its service life to adapt to changing shipping needs.

Ownership Timeline:

• 1877, 1881: Owned by J. E. Graham, St. Catharines.
• 1884: Acquired by R. McLellan.
• 1885: Transferred to Montreal Transportation Co.
• 1907: Owned by A. Lomer, Montreal.
• 1908: J. Richardson & Sons, Kingston.

The vessel operated between Montreal and the Upper Lakes, serving as a cargo Steamer before its 1886 Rebuild into a steam Barge by R. Gaskin in Kingston, Ontario. It continued to see service in various configurations, with further engine upgrades and adaptations.

Significant Incidents

May 5, 1884: The ARGYLE was wrecked at Michipicoten on Lake Superior. It was scuttled to save the vessel, demonstrating its resilience and the value placed on its recovery.

1886: After the wrecking incident, the vessel was extensively Rebuilt in Kingston and renamed GLENGARRY. It resumed operations as a steam Barge, reflecting its continued utility in Great Lakes commerce.

Final Disposition

The ARGYLE, later GLENGARRY, continued to operate under various owners until the early 20th century. Its final status is not specified, though its extensive history of rebuilds suggests it remained in use well beyond its original service life.

Significance

The history of the ARGYLE illustrates the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels in the face of changing economic demands and technological advancements. Its multiple rebuilds and ownership transfers underscore the importance of resourcefulness in maritime commerce, particularly in the competitive shipping lanes of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Resources & Contact

• Source: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Email: walter@maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Website: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Tags #Great Lakes Shipwrecks #Steam Barge #Montreal-Upper Lakes Route #19th-Century Rebuilds #Michipicoten Incident

Conclusion

The ARGYLE, later GLENGARRY, represents the ingenuity and resilience of Great Lakes shipping. Despite setbacks, including its wrecking in 1884, the vessel was salvaged, Rebuilt, and continued to serve for decades. Its story highlights the dynamic and often perilous nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, as well as the determination to sustain valuable vessels through innovation and adaptability.