Identification & Site Information

•Name: Curlew (formerly U 5965)

•Type: Wooden River Tug

•Official Number: C 122178 (formerly U 5965)

•Year Built: 1867

•Builder: C.J. Rose, Ogdensburg, New York

•Construction: Wooden Hull, round Stern design

•Dimensions:

•Length: 77.0 feet (23.5 meters)

•Gross Tonnage (Original): 63.06 tons

•Net Tonnage (Original): 31.53 tons

•Gross Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 84.6 tons

•Net Tonnage (Post-1901 Rebuild): 57.53 tons

•Engine: High-pressure single-cylinder engine (80 indicated horsepower, 10.6 rated horsepower)

•Final Ownership: Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co. (1924–1933)

•Final Disposition: Scuttled in 1933

•Registry Closed: November 28, 1936

Vessel Type Description

The Curlew was a wooden-hulled river Tug, built for towing and navigation tasks on the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes. Its round Stern design and robust single-cylinder engine made it well-suited for the dynamic and demanding conditions of these waterways. Over its service life, the Curlew underwent significant rebuilds, reflecting its adaptability and utility in various maritime roles.

History

Early Service

•Built in 1867 by C.J. Rose in Ogdensburg, New York, the Curlew started its career as a versatile workhorse for riverine and lake transportation.

•Initially owned by its builder, the Tug facilitated commerce in the bustling shipping lanes of the St. Lawrence River.

Ownership Changes & Rebuilds

•1875: Sold to Hall and Gardiner, and subsequently in 1880 to George Hall.

•1901: Underwent its first major Rebuild at the St. Lawrence Marine Railway in Ogdensburg. This Rebuild significantly increased its gross and Net Tonnage, enhancing its cargo and towing capabilities.

•After the Rebuild, ownership passed to the Montreal Transportation Co., and the Tug continued operations on the Great Lakes.

•1907: Suffered a sinking incident but was successfully salvaged. Later sold to J.D. Morrison of Port Arthur, Ontario, where it underwent another Rebuild.

•1908: Sold to the Great Lakes Dredge Co., taking on a vital role in dredging and waterway maintenance across the Great Lakes.

Later Years

•Through the 1920s, the Curlew experienced multiple ownership transitions, including possible ownership by J. O’Brien of Ottawa in 1920.

•By 1924, ownership returned to the Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co., which utilized the Tug for industrial maritime operations.

Final Disposition

•After decades of service and multiple rebuilds, the Curlew was scuttled in 1933, marking the end of its operational life.

•The Tug’s registry was officially closed on November 28, 1936, confirming its retirement from maritime service.

Legacy of the Curlew

The Curlew’s service history is a testament to the resilience and importance of tugs in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime industries. Its long operational life, marked by significant rebuilds and diverse roles, reflects the evolving demands of the waterways during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Curlew played a critical part in supporting commerce, dredging, and infrastructure development. Its legacy serves as a representation of the ingenuity and adaptability of wooden river tugs during an era of rapid industrial and technological change.

Key Resources

•Beeson’s Marine Directory (1917)

•Bureau Veritas Great Lakes Register (1915)

•Canada List of Shipping (Various Years)

•Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database

•Merchant Vessels of the United States (1896)

•Canadian Railway & Marine World (March 1906)

•McCormick Wishbone Fleet

Conclusion

The Curlew stands as a storied example of the hardworking tugboats that were the backbone of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce. Despite its scuttling in 1933, its rich history of adaptability, endurance, and service lives on as a tribute to the maritime heritage of North America.

Tags:

#Curlew #GreatLakesTugboat #MaritimeHistory #WoodenTug #StLawrenceRiver #GreatLakesCommerce #ShipRebuilds #ScuttledVessels