IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: ONONDAGA
• Type: River Barge
• Build Location: Garden Island, Ontario, Canada
• Year Built: 1870
• Builder: Henry Roney
• Dimensions:
• Length: 136.9 feet (41.7 meters)
• Tonnage:
• Gross: 364.01 tons
• Register: 320 tons
• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Stern Type: Round Stern
• Capacity: Up to 20,000 bushels of cargo
• Official Number: Assigned between 1882 and 1883
• Coordinates of Wreck: N 43.84271, W 76.32863
• Depth of Wreck: Undocumented but significant enough to require exploration technology.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ONONDAGA was a large, wooden river Barge, purpose-built for carrying bulk goods such as coal and grain across the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. Its significant cargo capacity and robust wooden construction made it a vital component of 19th-century maritime commerce. The round Stern and single Deck design typified barges of this era, balancing durability with functional simplicity.

HISTORY

Construction & Early Years (1870-1877)

The ONONDAGA was built in 1870 on Garden Island, Ontario, by Henry Roney, a renowned shipbuilder of the era. Originally owned by Calvin & Breck, the Barge was heavily utilized for transporting goods on the busy waterways of the Great Lakes.

Early incidents included running aground on Galoo Island Shoal in 1876 while being towed by the American Tug W.M. GARDNER, highlighting the challenges of navigating the often treacherous waters of Lake Ontario.

Ownership Transitions & Service (1878-1887)

•1878: The ONONDAGA joined the fleet of St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding, where it faced another notable event in 1880 involving the Steamer BOHEMIAN, which damaged the Lachine Canal’s Lock Two gates.

•1883: Acquired by Montreal Transportation Co. and later chartered to George Hall Coal Co. of Prescott, Ontario, for coal transport between Oswego, New York, and Montreal.

Later Service & Rebuilds (1887-1904)

From 1887, the Barge was operated by St. Lawrence & Canada Forwarding Co., continuing its role as a workhorse for coal and grain transportation. During this period, it underwent significant rebuilding, a testament to its continued utility despite decades of service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Date: November 5, 1907

•Incident: While carrying a full load of coal, the ONONDAGA Foundered off Stoney Point, Lake Ontario, during a storm. The vessel sank with its cargo, marking the end of its operational life.

At the time of its sinking, the Barge was owned by Canadian Towing of Montreal. The loss of the ONONDAGA was a significant event, given its storied history and long service record.

The vessel’s registry was officially closed on January 9, 1908, concluding its chapter in Great Lakes maritime history.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the ONONDAGA lies submerged at the coordinates N 43.84271, W 76.32863, but further exploration is needed to document its depth and condition fully. Discovered using sonar technology by Sonar Guy, the site represents an important historical artifact of 19th-century Barge construction and usage.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the ONONDAGA wreck. However, navigators should exercise caution when traveling near submerged hazards in the Stoney Point region of Lake Ontario.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database of historical vessels.
• 3D Model of ONONDAGA: www.sonarguy.com.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed ship histories and incident reports.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Repository of Great Lakes wrecks and their historical context.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Advocacy and preservation organization for historical wreck sites.

3D Model by www.sonarguy.com

The Onondaga – Lake Ontario by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The ONONDAGA stands as a testament to the industrious spirit of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Its transition through various owners and rebuilding phases underscores the resilience of wooden river barges in the face of demanding workloads and harsh environmental conditions. The Barge’s eventual loss in 1907 highlights the inherent dangers of early maritime trade, where vessels often met untimely ends due to storms or accidents.

Today, the ONONDAGA’s wreck site offers valuable insights into the design, operation, and historical significance of river barges, making it an important subject for continued archaeological and historical research.

TAGS

#OnondagaBarge #LakeOntarioWreck #StoneyPointShipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #WoodenBarge #CoalTransport #SonarGuyDiscovery