IIdentification & Site Information

• Name: Barge Remains (Rail) Hardy Park Hull
• Former Names: Unknown
• Registration Numbers: Unknown
• Date Built and Launched: Likely late 19th to early 20th century
• Measurements: Approximately 100 feet (30 meters) in length
• Date Lost, Destroyed, or Abandoned: Unknown; presumed Abandoned and burned down to the waterline in early to mid-20th century

The Barge Remains (Rail) at Hardy Park in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, rest at a depth of 78–80 feet (24–25 meters) in the St. Lawrence River. The site is located directly in front of the park’s band structure, marked by the remnants of a burned wooden vessel. These remains include a structure resembling a rail-related Barge, with bottom beams arranged similarly to rail ties, a small section of firebrick, and some machinery at the east end.

Vessel Type Description

The vessel was likely a wooden Barge, potentially used for transporting railcars, tracks, or related heavy goods during the industrial expansion of North America. The design and arrangement of its remaining components strongly suggest a connection to rail transport. These barges were vital for ferrying rail-related goods across waterways like the St. Lawrence River, particularly in hubs like Brockville, which served as a strategic point for maritime and rail traffic.

History & Significance

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Brockville played a significant role in the integration of rail and maritime networks. Rail barges were essential in facilitating the transfer of goods and rail equipment between regions separated by waterways. The industrial revolution saw an increased demand for efficient transport systems, with the St. Lawrence River acting as a vital artery for commerce.

The Barge Remains (Rail) at Hardy Park are a testament to this era, likely serving as a bridge between rail and water transport. The bottom beams’ spacing, akin to rail ties, and the presence of firebrick and machinery at the site suggest the Barge’s purpose was industrial and directly linked to the railroads. This connection provides insight into the logistical solutions of the time and the role barges played in economic and industrial development.

Final Disposition

The Barge appears to have been deliberately burned, possibly as part of a decommissioning or abandonment process. The exact circumstances of its destruction are unknown, leaving much about its operational life and final days open to speculation. Its remnants now rest on the riverbed, offering a glimpse into the past.

Surveyed by divers Gerald Baker and Stephen Hatch

• Date Found: Known locally but formally surveyed on July 2, 2017

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific NOTMARs are associated with this wreck. Divers should exercise caution to avoid damaging the fragile remains.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in a deteriorated state, with much of the original structure lost to fire and time. The surviving features include bottom beams, a small section of firebrick, and some machinery. Its relatively shallow depth makes it accessible to experienced recreational divers, though strong currents and variable Visibility require careful planning.

Diving Conditions

• Visibility: Variable, depending on weather and seasonal factors.
• Temperature: Cold, even during summer months; suitable thermal protection is recommended.
• Currents: May be strong at depth; divers should prepare accordingly.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Resources on regional shipwrecks and maritime history.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Information on preserving and exploring Ontario’s underwater heritage.
• Shotline Diving: Photos and dive details, including visuals from Stephen Hatch.
• Brockville Museum: Local archives that may provide additional insights.

Conclusion

The Barge Remains (Rail) offer a unique and underexplored glimpse into the industrial past of Brockville and the St. Lawrence River. The wreck’s connection to rail transport underscores its historical importance and its role in facilitating economic growth during a transformative period. Further study and preservation could uncover more about this vessel’s story and its place in the broader narrative of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce.

Keywords: Barge remains, Hardy Park, Brockville, St. Lawrence River, rail transport Barge, industrial history, shipwreck, maritime archaeology, Great Lakes