The CLEVELAND river barge was operational from 1872 to 1912 and had a gross tonnage of 328.92 tons. It measured 138.4 feet in length and had a capacity of 24,000 bushels. The barge was constructed by F. Cantin in Quebec City in 1872. Over the years, it received different ratings and valuations.
In 1874, the CLEVELAND was rated as 1 out of a possible 3 and valued at $9,000. By 1878, it maintained the same rating and was valued at $6,500. In 1884, the barge received a rating of B1. In 1890, it was rated as A2 and valued at $6,000. In 1892, the rating increased to A2½, and its value was recorded as $5,200. However, by 1897, the rating dropped back to B1, and repairs were required. The barge was valued at $4,000 at that time.
The CLEVELAND underwent several repairs and modifications during its operational years. In 1881, it underwent caulking and significant repairs. It was then rebuilt in Kingston between 1883 and 1885. In 1888, the barge was chartered to the Ogdensburg Coal and Transport Co. Additional repairs, including the installation of a new forefoot and caulking, were carried out in 1889.
According to the Montreal Transportation Co. Directors’ Reports and minutes from 1902 to 1912, the CLEVELAND was listed as “on hand but of no value.” Around 1908, the barge was abandoned in the Cataraqui River at Kingston. Today, its remains are still visible at low water among the other sunken vessels. The CLEVELAND was officially removed from the register in 1915
