Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: Built as Champion, renamed Hamiltonian in 1946
• Official Number: C103975
• Vessel Type: Sidewheel steamer (wood), excursion vessel
• Builder: Geo. T. Davie & Co., Levis, Quebec
• Year Built: 1897
• Specifications: 144 ft x 26 ft x 8 ft (44 m x 7.9 m x 2.4 m), 482 tons
• Date Lost: August 30, 1952
• Location: Foot of James St., Hamilton, Ontario
• Lake: Ontario
• Cause of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo: None
• Final Fate: Burned to a Total Loss; remains scrapped in Hamilton in 1954

Description

The Hamiltonian, originally built as Champion, was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer designed for excursion services around Hamilton and Toronto. She was a well-known and popular vessel, offering pleasure cruises for passengers across the western end of Lake Ontario.

History

Constructed in 1897 at Levis, Quebec, by Geo. T. Davie & Co., the Steamer had a long and active career spanning over half a century. In 1946, she was renamed Hamiltonian and continued serving as a pleasure craft, transporting tourists and excursionists between Hamilton, Toronto, and nearby destinations.

Her excursions were particularly well-received by those looking to experience the scenic beauty of Lake Ontario, and she became a fixture in the region’s summer tourism industry.

Final Disposition

On August 30, 1952, while moored at the foot of James Street in Hamilton, the Hamiltonian caught fire. The blaze completely consumed the vessel, rendering her a Total Loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost, as the ship was not in operation at the time.

Following the fire, the remains of the Hamiltonian were scrapped in Hamilton in 1954, marking the end of an era for one of Ontario’s beloved excursion steamers.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Hamiltonian represents an important piece of Hamilton’s maritime and tourism history. Her long career as an excursion Steamer made her a familiar and cherished sight on Lake Ontario. While she met a fiery end, her legacy as a leisure vessel remains part of the region’s rich nautical past.

#ShipwreckHistory #GreatLakesMaritime #LakeOntario #HamiltonianSteamer #HistoricVessels