Kingston Marine Railway Company (Kingston, Ontario)

Overview

The Kingston Marine Railway Company was a key player in the ship repair and shipbuilding industry of Kingston, Ontario, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Located along the strategic waterway of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, the company served as a hub for the maintenance, repair, and construction of vessels operating in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system. The marine railway’s innovative design allowed for the hauling of ships out of the water for repairs, making it a critical infrastructure for Kingston’s maritime economy.

Founding and Development

Establishment The Kingston Marine Railway Company was founded in the mid-19th century, during Kingston’s heyday as a key port and shipbuilding center in Ontario. Located on Point Frederick or nearby shores, the company benefited from Kingston’s strategic position as a gateway between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River.

Marine Railway System  The marine railway was an innovative system used to haul ships out of the water onto land using a cradle and a series of rails. This technology was particularly useful for repairing the hulls of vessels without the need for large dry docks, which were expensive to build and maintain.

Operations and Services

Ship Repair  The primary purpose of the Kingston Marine Railway was the maintenance and repair of vessels:

• Sailing ships (schooners and barks)
• Steam-powered vessels
• Fishing boats and ferries
• Common repairs included: Hull repairs and reinforcement (wood and iron).
• Maintenance of propellers and paddle wheels.
• Replacement of masts, rigging, and boilers.

Shipbuilding The company also constructed smaller vessels, particularly barges, schooners, and steam tugs, which were in high demand for the lumber, grain, and coal trades on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Seasonal Services During the winter layup, when shipping on the Great Lakes ceased due to ice, vessels were hauled out for servicing in preparation for the spring thaw.

Support for Great Lakes Commerce The company played a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of vessels navigating the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, both major trade routes for Canada.

Regional Economic Growth The marine railway contributed to Kingston’s growth as an important industrial and maritime center in Upper Canada.

Technological Innovation The marine railway system itself was a pioneering technology of the 19th century, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution for ship repair.

Decline and Legacy  By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advances in shipbuilding (larger steel vessels) and transportation (railways) reduced the demand for small shipyards like the Kingston Marine Railway. The shift of maritime activity to larger ports such as Toronto and Montreal also contributed to Kingston’s decline as a shipping hub.

Closure and Legac • The Kingston Marine Railway Company likely ceased operations in the early 20th century as economic activity in the region changed. However, its contributions to Kingston’s maritime history remain significant.

Resources for Research

• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston https://www.marmuseum.ca Features exhibits and archives related to Kingston’s shipyards, including the marine railway.
• Archives Canada https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca Holds documents and maps related to marine railways and shipping in Kingston.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca Offers detailed information on vessels serviced by the Kingston Marine Railway Company.
• City of Kingston Archives  May provide local records, photographs, and documents related to the marine railway and its operations.

Conclusion

The Kingston Marine Railway Company was a cornerstone of Kingston’s maritime industry, supporting commerce and navigation on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its use of innovative marine railway technology allowed for efficient ship repairs and construction during a critical period of Canadian maritime history. Though no longer active, its legacy endures through Kingston’s rich shipbuilding heritage and its role in advancing marine repair practices in the 19th century.

Vessels built or repaired

• The Moira was a propeller steamer, a type of steam-powered vessel that played a crucial role in the transportation network of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. These vessels were integral to the movement of goods and passengers across the expansive waters of the Great Lakes, leveraging steam power to overcome the limitations of wind-driven ships.