Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: H.P. Bigelow

•Registry: U.S.

•Official Number: 96269

•Rig: Propeller

•Built: 1893, Baldwinsville, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: 67.00 feet (20.4 meters)

•Width: 14.66 feet (4.5 meters)

•Depth: 8.42 feet (2.6 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 46.00 tons

•Net Tonnage: 37.00 tons

Vessel Type Description

The H.P. Bigelow was a wooden yacht designed for leisure and pleasure cruising. Built in 1893, it reflected the luxury and elegance of recreational boating during the late 19th century. Its propeller-driven design, powered by a screw propeller, was typical of yachts of the period, offering smooth and reliable navigation through the scenic waterways of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands region.

History

The H.P. Bigelow served as a private yacht, catering to the affluent residents and vacationers of the Thousand Islands. Yachts like the Bigelow symbolized the leisure and sophistication of the Gilded Age, providing a means for the wealthy to explore the natural beauty of the region in comfort. Its nearly three-decade-long career was marked by its role as a floating retreat for its owners and their guests.

Final Disposition

On June 5, 1920, the H.P. Bigelow was destroyed by fire in Morristown, New York. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the incident resulted in the vessel’s Total Loss. This marked the end of its service, leaving behind only historical records and the memories of those who enjoyed its elegant cruises.

Legacy

The H.P. Bigelow remains a part of the maritime history of the Thousand Islands. Its nearly 30-year career is a testament to the importance of leisure boating during the Gilded Age and early 20th century. Although the yacht no longer exists, its story contributes to the broader understanding of recreational boating and the social trends of its time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The H.P. Bigelow was entirely destroyed by fire, and it is believed that no significant remnants of the vessel survive. While the site of the fire in Morristown, NY, may hold some historical interest, the yacht itself is no longer accessible.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical records of vessels operating in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River regions.

•Local Historical Societies: Resources on the Thousand Islands and leisure boating history.

Conclusion

The H.P. Bigelow served as a luxurious and elegant vessel for nearly 30 years, epitomizing the leisurely lifestyle of the affluent during the Gilded Age. Its destruction by fire in 1920 marked the end of an era for the yacht, but its legacy endures as a symbol of the sophisticated recreational boating culture of the Thousand Islands region.