Steamer Trenton (1854–1858)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Trenton 
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: None (Pre-1869 Canadian vessel documentation era)
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden Propeller Steamer (possibly Sidewheel Steamer per some sources)
• Builder: A. Cantin, Montreal, Quebec
• • Year Built & Launched: 1854
• • Specifications:
• • Length: 134 ft (40.8 m)
• • Beam: 23 ft (7.0 m)
• • Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• • Gross Tonnage: 240 GT
• • Net Tonnage: 166 NT
• • Date Lost: March 4, 1858
• • Location of Loss: At Picton, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• • Cause of Loss: Fire (likely caused by renovation work)
• • Loss of Life: None
• • Cargo at Time of Loss: None (tied to the mill wharf for renovations)

Vessel Description & Service History

The Trenton was a wooden Steamer built in Montreal in 1854 by A. Cantin. Some sources list her as a propeller-driven vessel, while others indicate she may have been a Sidewheel Steamer. She was operated by the Bay of Quinte & St. Lawrence Navigation Line (McQuaig’s Line), a company that ran passenger and freight steamers between Kingston, Picton, Belleville, and Montreal. Likely served as a passenger and package freight vessel, making regular runs along the Bay of Quinte and St. Lawrence River trade routes.

Designed for river and lake service, the Trenton was an important link in the growing transportation network of Upper and Lower Canada during the mid-19th century.

Final Voyage & Loss (March 4, 1858)

In early 1858, the Trenton was undergoing renovations while moored at a mill wharf in Picton, Ontario.  On March 4, 1858, a fire broke out onboard, likely caused by the carpenters working on her renovations. The flames quickly spread, engulfing the vessel.  The Steamer was completely destroyed, burned to the waterline, and declared a Total Loss. , no lives were lost, as she was unloaded and docked at the time.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Declared a Total Loss due to fire damage.
• No known salvage efforts.
• Remains likely deteriorated or removed from Picton harbor.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck.  Possible remains may exist near the former mill wharf in Picton, Ontario.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Shipboard fires were a major hazard for wooden steamers, especially during winter layup or renovations.  Picton, Ontario, was a key port in the Bay of Quinte shipping network, with many vessels using its wharves for repairs and refitting. The Bay of Quinte & St. Lawrence Line lost several vessels over time, reflecting the risks associated with early Steamship operations.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels
• Wikipedia – Picton

Conclusion

The Trenton was a mid-19th-century passenger and freight Steamer, serving the Bay of Quinte and St. Lawrence trade routes until she was lost to a fire at Picton in 1858. While her exact wreck site remains unconfirmed, she represents an important chapter in Ontario’s early Steamship history.