Shipwreck Report: Conqueror (also known as Conqueror No. 1)

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Conqueror (Conqueror No. 1)

•Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer Towboat

•Year Built: 1865

•Builder: Wm. Symons & Co., Renfrew, Scotland

•Dimensions:

•Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

•Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

•Tonnage: 199 gross tons

•Final Location: Garden Island, near Kingston, Ontario

•Coordinates: Unknown

•Final Fate: Likely scuttled after its last salvage in 1885

Vessel Type Description

The Conqueror was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer designed for towing duties. Such vessels were vital in the 19th century for facilitating trade and transport in waterways like the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. The Conqueror’s propulsion system and moderate tonnage made it well-suited for towing barges and assisting other vessels, a crucial role during an era of expanding industrial and maritime activity.

History

Construction and Early Years:

The Conqueror was launched in 1865 in Renfrew, Scotland, and was initially owned by J.G. Ross of Quebec. The vessel primarily operated as a Towboat, aiding the movement of goods and vessels along the St. Lawrence River. In 1886, ownership transferred to F. Ross, also of Quebec.

Operational Life:

•The vessel was primarily engaged in towing operations, plying waters below Quebec and later transitioning to Lake Ontario.

•Despite its robust design, the Conqueror faced repeated mishaps, including several wrecks and subsequent salvages.

Notable Incidents

1.May 3, 1883 – Sinking at Wells Island:

The Conqueror sank near Wells Island in the St. Lawrence River. Details of the incident are sparse, but the vessel was refloated shortly thereafter, suggesting minor damage.

2.November 1, 1883 – Wreck in a Snowstorm:

On its first voyage after being refloated, the Conqueror was wrecked in a snowstorm near Clayton, New York. The vessel was salvaged and brought to Kingston for significant repairs.

3.1884 – Reconditioning in Kingston:

After extensive repairs, the vessel was ready for service but was never used again. Instead, it was laid up at Garden Island, marking the beginning of its decline.

4.Winter of 1884-1885 – Sinking at Garden Island:

The Conqueror sank during the winter while laid up. It was raised in October 1885, but its deteriorated condition rendered further operation impractical. The vessel was likely scuttled following this final salvage.

Final Disposition

•Date of Final Incident: Winter of 1884-1885

•Cause: Structural deterioration while laid up.

•Final Action: Likely scuttled after salvage in 1885.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The precise location and condition of the Conqueror’s remains are unknown. If scuttled, remnants of the vessel may lie on the lakebed near Garden Island, possibly buried or scattered. As of now, there is no confirmed dive site or publicly available wreck data.

Legacy

The Conqueror encapsulates the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels operating in the often unforgiving conditions of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Despite its repeated salvages and repairs, the vessel’s turbulent career underscores the risks of maritime trade and transport during this era. As one of the sidewheel steamers contributing to regional commerce, the Conqueror played a key role in the economic development of Eastern Canada and the Great Lakes region.

Resources & References

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

•Canadian Nautical Research Society Archives

•Local Kingston and Garden Island Historical Records

Keywords

#Conqueror #SidewheelSteamer #StLawrenceRiver #GardenIsland #LakeOntario #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwrecks #19thCenturyNavigation #Towboat #Shipwreck

Shipwreck Report: Conqueror (also known as Conqueror No. 1)

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Conqueror (Conqueror No. 1)

•Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer Towboat

•Year Built: 1865

•Builder: Wm. Symons & Co., Renfrew, Scotland

•Dimensions:

•Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

•Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

•Tonnage: 199 gross tons

•Final Location: Garden Island, near Kingston, Ontario

•Coordinates: Unknown

•Final Fate: Likely scuttled after its last salvage in 1885

Vessel Type Description

The Conqueror was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer designed for towing duties. Such vessels were vital in the 19th century for facilitating trade and transport in waterways like the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. The Conqueror’s propulsion system and moderate tonnage made it well-suited for towing barges and assisting other vessels, a crucial role during an era of expanding industrial and maritime activity.

History

Construction and Early Years:

The Conqueror was launched in 1865 in Renfrew, Scotland, and was initially owned by J.G. Ross of Quebec. The vessel primarily operated as a Towboat, aiding the movement of goods and vessels along the St. Lawrence River. In 1886, ownership transferred to F. Ross, also of Quebec.

Operational Life:

•The vessel was primarily engaged in towing operations, plying waters below Quebec and later transitioning to Lake Ontario.

•Despite its robust design, the Conqueror faced repeated mishaps, including several wrecks and subsequent salvages.

Notable Incidents

1.May 3, 1883 – Sinking at Wells Island:

The Conqueror sank near Wells Island in the St. Lawrence River. Details of the incident are sparse, but the vessel was refloated shortly thereafter, suggesting minor damage.

2.November 1, 1883 – Wreck in a Snowstorm:

On its first voyage after being refloated, the Conqueror was wrecked in a snowstorm near Clayton, New York. The vessel was salvaged and brought to Kingston for significant repairs.

3.1884 – Reconditioning in Kingston:

After extensive repairs, the vessel was ready for service but was never used again. Instead, it was laid up at Garden Island, marking the beginning of its decline.

4.Winter of 1884-1885 – Sinking at Garden Island:

The Conqueror sank during the winter while laid up. It was raised in October 1885, but its deteriorated condition rendered further operation impractical. The vessel was likely scuttled following this final salvage.

Final Disposition

•Date of Final Incident: Winter of 1884-1885

•Cause: Structural deterioration while laid up.

•Final Action: Likely scuttled after salvage in 1885.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The precise location and condition of the Conqueror’s remains are unknown. If scuttled, remnants of the vessel may lie on the lakebed near Garden Island, possibly buried or scattered. As of now, there is no confirmed dive site or publicly available wreck data.

Legacy

The Conqueror encapsulates the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels operating in the often unforgiving conditions of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Despite its repeated salvages and repairs, the vessel’s turbulent career underscores the risks of maritime trade and transport during this era. As one of the sidewheel steamers contributing to regional commerce, the Conqueror played a key role in the economic development of Eastern Canada and the Great Lakes region.

Resources & References

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

•Canadian Nautical Research Society Archives

•Local Kingston and Garden Island Historical Records

Keywords

#Conqueror #SidewheelSteamer #StLawrenceRiver #GardenIsland #LakeOntario #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwrecks #19thCenturyNavigation #Towboat #Shipwreck