Shipwreck Report: Sidewheel Steamer CITY OF TORONTO

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: CITY OF TORONTO

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer

•Location: Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Not specified (destroyed on land at the shipyard)

•Depth: N/A (fire occurred on land)

Vessel Type Description

The CITY OF TORONTO was a wooden-hulled Sidewheel Steamer, launched in 1864 and built by the master shipbuilder Louis Shickluna in Niagara, Ontario. Measuring 207 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet and a depth of 12 feet, the vessel was a substantial Steamer on Lake Ontario, boasting a Gross Tonnage of 898 and a Net Tonnage of 513.

The Steamer was powered by a vertical Walking Beam Engine generating 250 horsepower, which drove its two 28-foot sidewheels. These sidewheels were sourced from the earlier vessel ZIMMERMAN (1854) and manufactured by Macklem Iron Works in Chippewa, Ontario. Designed for both passenger and cargo service, the vessel primarily operated on the Toronto-Niagara route, an essential transportation corridor during the 19th century.

History

The CITY OF TORONTO played a vital role in connecting major ports along Lake Ontario. Initially owned by Duncan Milloy of Toronto, the Steamer was a key part of the burgeoning maritime economy, providing reliable transportation for both passengers and goods. Over its nearly two-decade-long career, the vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and was modified to meet evolving demands.

In 1883, the vessel arrived at Muir Bros. shipyard in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, for a significant reconstruction. The work included the removal of its sidewheels to enable the vessel to navigate the Welland Canal, a vital passage for regional commerce. This modernization effort underscored the importance of adapting older vessels to meet new technological and logistical demands.

However, on October 31, 1883, disaster struck. A fire broke out at the shipyard, quickly engulfing the CITY OF TORONTO. Efforts to control the flames were unsuccessful, and the vessel was completely destroyed. The loss was a devastating blow, not only to its owners but also to the local maritime industry.

Analysis

The destruction of the CITY OF TORONTO reflects the inherent vulnerabilities of wooden vessels, particularly during periods of repair and reconstruction. Shipyard fires were not uncommon in the 19th century, as the combination of wooden hulls, flammable materials, and open flames used in repairs created significant hazards.

The vessel’s career highlights the critical role of maritime transportation on Lake Ontario, particularly along the Toronto-Niagara route. The use of advanced technologies for the time, such as sidewheels and walking beam engines, underscored the progress and connectivity brought about by steam-powered vessels.

The fire at the Muir Bros. shipyard not only marked the end of the CITY OF TORONTO but also served as a reminder of the risks faced by maritime industries in preserving and modernizing aging vessels.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: October 31, 1883

•Cause of Loss: Fire during reconstruction at Muir Bros. shipyard, Port Dalhousie

•Condition: Completely destroyed; no remains preserved

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical records of vessels on the Great Lakes

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed accounts of 19th-century maritime transportation

•Louis Shickluna: Master Shipbuilder: Documentation of shipbuilding achievements in Niagara, Ontario

Tags

#SidewheelSteamer #CITYOFTORONTO #LakeOntario #PortDalhousie #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesSteamer #ShipwreckByFire #19thCenturyVessel

Conclusion

The CITY OF TORONTO is a poignant chapter in Lake Ontario’s maritime history. Its construction by the famed Louis Shickluna, its service connecting vital ports, and its tragic end in a devastating fire collectively highlight the evolution of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. While the vessel was destroyed, its story endures as a reminder of the technological advancements and risks faced by those who sailed and worked on the Great Lakes.