Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line

Overview:

The Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line was a significant shipping and freight operation during the 19th century that primarily operated on the St. Lawrence River and within the Great Lakes region. The company was part of the broader maritime trade networks that supported both domestic and international shipping routes between Canada and the United States, as well as within Canadian waters.

Founding & Operations:

Founded by: The Jones & McDonald Company was established by two key figures, likely H. Jones (associated with H. Jones & Company Shipyard in Brockville, Ontario) and McDonald, though records about McDonald’s role are scarce.  Headquarters: Based in Montreal, the company had strong links to the broader St. Lawrence Seaway and was also involved in the transportation of freight throughout Ontario and into the Great Lakes system.

The Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line focused on the transportation of bulk goods, general merchandise, and cargo between major cities like Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, and ports across the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. The line primarily utilized steam-powered vessels (including steam tugs and cargo steamers), which were highly effective for moving freight in all weather conditions.

Notable Vessel: PROTECTION (renamed GORE)

• One of the most notable vessels operated by the Jones & McDonald Freight Line was the Protection, a propeller steam tug built in 1851 at Brockville, Ontario, by H. Jones & Company. The Protection, played a key role in freight operations, especially in the transportation of merchandise across the St. Lawrence River.The Protection,was later renamed the GORE after it was sold to Smith & Jardine in 1861. The tug continued to serve as part of the Jones & McDonald Freight Line under its original name for several years, moving freight between Montreal, Toronto, and Hamilton.

Collision & Recovery: The Protection, was involved in a major incident in 1856 when it collided with the Canadian steamer BOSTON in the St. Lawrence River, near Gannanoque. Despite sinking, the tug was later raised and repaired. The vessel continued its work under the Jones & McDonald Freight Line, demonstrating the line’s resilience and focus on maintaining operational capacity even after significant damage.

Operational Role:

The Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line was crucial in transporting large volumes of goods between key cities, helping to facilitate trade across the Great Lakes and into Canada. Its vessels, like the PROTECTION, were also instrumental in assisting other vessels and were used for towing purposes, making them versatile assets in regional maritime operations.

• Cargo: The line carried a wide range of freight, including lumber, merchandise, and general cargo. As the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River were key trade routes, especially for agricultural and industrial products, the Jones & McDonald Freight Line played an essential part in ensuring goods reached major ports and urban centers.
• Fleet: While the PROTECTION was one of the standout vessels, the line likely operated several other steam-powered ships for cargo transportation. The line’s focus on steam-powered vessels helped it keep pace with the evolving shipping industry, as steamships became the dominant vessel type for efficient freight transportation by the mid-1800s.

Legacy The Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line is emblematic of the early commercial efforts to build an integrated shipping network that linked Canadian ports to key U.S. cities and within the Great Lakes region. This early maritime company contributed to the development of Canada’s and Ontario’s shipping industries, helping to lay the groundwork for more modern shipping networks.

The line’s association with H. Jones & Company Shipyard of Brockville, known for building durable steam-powered vessels like the Protection,, demonstrates the synergy between shipbuilding and freight transportation industries. By operating powerful steamships, the Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line helped to establish the St. Lawrence Seaway and surrounding waterways as important routes for commercial shipping.

Conclusion:

The Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line was a key player in the 19th-century maritime trade of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Operating primarily with steam-powered vessels like the Protection,, later renamed GORE, the line was integral to the transportation of goods between Canadian and U.S. ports. Despite facing setbacks, such as the collision of the Protection,, the company maintained its reputation for resilience and contribution to regional commerce.