• Vessel Name: TRANSIT • Year of Build: 1856 • Construction and Ownership: • Built at: Toronto, Ontario • Hull Materials: Wood • Builder Name: Myers • Power and Propulsion: • Propulsion: Sidewheel • Hull Dimensions: • Length: 115 feet (35.05 meters) • Beam: 17 feet (5.18 meters) • Depth: 5 feet (1.52 meters) • Tonnage (Old Style): 109 tons • Tonnage (Net): 69 tons

Vessel Type

The Transit was a wooden-hulled Sidewheel Steamer built in Toronto in 1856. Sidewheel steamers were widely used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, mainly for passenger and cargo services. At 109 tons (99 metric tons), the Transit was relatively small but well-suited for regional trade and transportation across Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, effectively connecting various ports along these busy waterways.

History

The Transit’s career was eventful, marked by incidents and ownership changes that reflect the challenges of 19th-century lake transport:

• 1860: The Transit sank in Toronto, Ontario, due to unknown circumstances.

• 1868, May 10: The vessel was raised and resumed service on Lake Ontario.

• 1869: Now owned by Mr. Hood of Toronto, Transit was Rebuilt to continue its operations.

• 1877: Ownership transferred to John Edgon of Hamilton, Ontario, who likely operated it for local transport and shipping.

Final Disposition

On May 7, 1880, the Transit met a catastrophic end when it caught fire and was destroyed while docked in Belleville, Ontario, in the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario. Although specific details regarding the fire are undocumented, the vessel was a complete loss. There are no records of casualties or the cause of the fire, whether accidental or operational.

Located By & Date

There are no known records of the Transit’s wreck being located after the fire. Due to the extensive damage from the fire, it is likely that little of the vessel remains.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Currently, no navigational hazards are associated with the wreck of Transit. Although the Bay of Quinte has numerous wrecks, no specific warnings or obstructions are linked to this vessel.

Resources & Links

For additional details on the Transit and other Great Lakes vessels, the following resources are available:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The Transit’s history highlights the operational challenges and risks faced by sidewheel steamers on the Great Lakes, where fire and other incidents were frequent causes of vessel loss. Transit’s story contributes to the understanding of early maritime transport on Lake Ontario and its significant role in regional commerce.

Keywords: Transit Steamer, Lake Ontario, Bay of Quinte, Great Lakes shipwrecks, 19th-century vessels, wooden Sidewheel Steamer