Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Arctic

• Type: Steambarge

• Built At: Grindstone Island, New York, USA

• Construction Year: 1893

• Hull Material: Wooden

• Decks: Single Deck

• Original Owners: Elizabeth and William Slate, Grindstone Island, NY

• Propulsion: Non-condensing steam engine (12 x 14 inches, 48 horsepower), single screw propeller

• Mast: One mast

Dimensions (Original):

• Length: 93.2 feet (28.4 meters)

• Beam: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

• Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 94.43 tons

• Net Tonnage: 81.09 tons

Dimensions (Modified):

• Length: 96.3 feet (29.3 meters)

• Beam: 19.3 feet (5.9 meters)

• Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 100.51 tons

• Net Tonnage: 82.94 tons

Final Location: Abandoned and broken up in Deseronto, Ontario, Lake Ontario, in 1915.

Vessel Type Description

The Arctic was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a common vessel type used for transporting bulk cargo on the Great Lakes and other inland waterways during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its design, featuring a single Deck and one mast, prioritized functionality and efficiency, and its steam engine allowed reliable propulsion for its size. The modifications made during its lifetime slightly increased its dimensions and tonnage, reflecting its evolving use in commercial operations.

History

• Construction and Early Years:

Built in 1893 on Grindstone Island, New York, by or for Elizabeth and William Slate, the Arctic initially served as a reliable cargo vessel with a focus on local commercial routes. Its non-condensing steam engine, built in 1888, powered the vessel with 48 horsepower, providing adequate propulsion for its size.

• Ownership Timeline:

• 1894: Sold to Daniel Springer of Alexandria Bay, NY.

• 1896: Purchased by William A. Webster of South Hammond, NY.

• 1898: Owned by Wells A. Dygert of NY and Kate Hemans(?) of Sacketts Harbor, NY.

• 1899: Transferred to Heyman et al. of Clayton, NY.

• 1901: Acquired by William and Agnes Britnell of Toronto, Ontario.

• 1902: Sold to William G. Mackendrick of Toronto and later to the Toronto Sand & Dredging Co. Ltd.

• 1904: Purchased by The Rathbun Co. of Deseronto, Ontario.

During its Canadian tenure, the vessel underwent modifications that slightly increased its size and tonnage, reflecting its adaptation to new roles, likely including dredging and sand transportation under the Toronto Sand & Dredging Co.

• Final Years:

By 1915, the Arctic had reached the end of its operational life and was dismantled in Deseronto, Ontario. Its dismantling marked the conclusion of its service as a versatile cargo vessel, reflecting the transition of the maritime industry toward more modern and efficient ships.

• Registry Closure:

The vessel’s official Canadian registration (C94930) was formally closed in 1944, long after its abandonment, officially marking the end of its documented existence.

Final Disposition

The Arctic was dismantled in 1915 in Deseronto, Ontario. After over two decades of service and numerous ownership changes, the vessel was retired and broken up. The lack of physical remnants underscores its functional role rather than a significant historical or cultural legacy.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the Arctic, as it was dismantled and does not pose navigational hazards.

Located By & Date

The Arctic was dismantled in Deseronto, Ontario, in 1915. No known remnants exist, and the exact location of its final dismantling is not documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given its dismantling, no physical remains of the Arctic are accessible. The site of its dismantling in Deseronto holds historical significance as a hub for shipbuilding and maritime activity during that era.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical records of ships like the Arctic.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels.

Analysis

The Arctic represents the life cycle of many small steambarges that supported commercial and industrial activity on the Great Lakes. Built in 1893 and modified during its operational life, the vessel reflects the adaptability and economic necessity of maritime shipping during the period. Its history of ownership changes and eventual dismantling in Deseronto highlights the transitional nature of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the Arctic left no physical remnants, its story remains a valuable chapter in the history of maritime commerce in the region, emphasizing the critical role of vessels like it in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

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