IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: G. H. PERLEY

Year of Build: 1890

Built By: J & R. Weir

Type: Steamboat/Tugboat (Classification varies by source)

Hull Materials: Wood

Number of Decks: 1

Owner: Upper Ottawa Improvement Co.

Final Location: Chats Lake, near Arnprior, Ontario

Coordinates: 45.4543° N, -76.3355° W

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The G. H. PERLEY was a wooden vessel built in 1890 by the J & R. Weir shipbuilders. Its classification as either a Steamboat or Tugboat reflects its dual-purpose design and its pivotal role in the timber industry along the Ottawa River. The vessel was equipped to handle the significant demands of towing large timber rafts, a primary means of transporting logs to sawmills and markets during the late 19th century. Its robust construction enabled it to withstand the challenging conditions of river navigation, making it a cornerstone of the Upper Ottawa Improvement Co.’s operations.

HISTORY

The G. H. PERLEY was commissioned by the Upper Ottawa Improvement Co., a major player in the timber industry on the Ottawa River. This vessel was integral to the region’s lumber trade, a vital economic activity that fueled the development of communities along the river.

Built to tow timber and assist with log-driving operations, the G. H. PERLEY was a key asset in ensuring the efficient movement of timber through the waterways. The vessel was a familiar sight along the Ottawa River, symbolizing the industrial growth of the era and the importance of maritime transportation to the timber trade.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On June 4, 1895, the G. H. PERLEY met its end while towing timber on Chats Lake, just outside Arnprior. A fire broke out aboard the vessel, quickly engulfing its wooden structure. Despite efforts to save the Steamboat, it was completely consumed by the flames and sank at the coordinates 45.4543° N, -76.3355° W.

The precise cause of the fire remains undocumented, but such incidents were not uncommon for wooden vessels of the period, particularly those equipped with steam engines. The loss of the G. H. PERLEY was a significant blow to the Upper Ottawa Improvement Co., underscoring the hazards of river navigation and the vulnerabilities of wooden steam-powered vessels.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the wreck of the G. H. PERLEY. Divers and researchers exploring the site should be mindful of general safety precautions and consult local advisories before conducting operations in Chats Lake.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the G. H. PERLEY lies submerged in Chats Lake, near Arnprior, Ontario. Given the shallow nature of the lake and the relatively accessible coordinates, the site may be of interest to maritime historians and underwater archaeologists. However, the wooden construction and the effects of time and fire likely mean that little remains of the original vessel structure. Further exploration could provide insights into the vessel’s construction and its final moments.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Ottawa River Maritime Archives: Historical accounts of vessels operating along the Ottawa River.

•Chats Lake Historical Society: Research and records related to the timber industry and maritime history in the region.

•Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Database: Includes references to inland waterways and timber trade vessels.

KEYWORDS

•G. H. PERLEY

•Steamboat

•Tugboat

•Ottawa River

•Upper Ottawa Improvement Co.

•Timber towing

•Chats Lake

•Arnprior, Ontario

•Maritime fire

•19th-century shipwreck

CONCLUSION

The G. H. PERLEY was a vital vessel in the timber trade along the Ottawa River, reflecting the industrial growth and reliance on maritime transport during the late 19th century. Its tragic loss in 1895 highlights the inherent risks of wooden steam-powered vessels and the challenging conditions of river navigation. Today, the wreck serves as an important historical marker of the era, offering opportunities for exploration and remembrance of a key chapter in Canadian maritime history.