Unidentified Barge – Little Grenadier Island

Site Description #

History #

Nestled between Little Grenadier and Grenadier Islands, Basin Harbor has witnessed its fair share of barge activity over the years. These barges played a crucial role in transporting equipment for land clearing, construction of homes, and even the movement of cattle to the island. However, the recent discovery of a barge resting on the west side of Little Grenadier Island has left locals puzzled about its origins. Speculation suggests that the barge may have been previously used for these purposes and subsequently abandoned at the dock on Little Grenadier after years of service. Alternatively, there is a possibility that the barge was associated with the now-vanished Hall on the island, where only a chimney remains today. In this article, we delve into the mysteries surrounding the barge and its potential history.

The Role of Barges in Basin Harbor: #

Barges have long played a significant role in Basin Harbor’s maritime activities. They served as essential vessels for transporting equipment, supplies, and livestock to and from Little Grenadier Island. These sturdy flat-bottomed scows facilitated the movement of heavy loads across the waters, enabling land development and construction projects on the island.

The Jermyn Family and Construction on Little Grenadier Island: #

One notable aspect of the island’s history involves the Jermyn family, who embarked on extensive construction endeavors. They constructed a large boathouse and may have been responsible for utilizing barges during the construction process. These barges could have transported materials such as stone for dock filling, contributing to the island’s development and infrastructure.

The Sinking of the Scow #

Historical records from 1908 reveal an incident involving a scow named “Uncle Paul” and its journey from Chaumont to Little Grenadier. Loaded with 125 tons of stone for dock filling, the scow encountered heavy seas during the voyage. Captain P. P. Phelps, realizing that the scow was at risk of sinking, maneuvered it between Little Grenadier and Fox Island, where it ultimately sank in approximately 8 feet of water. There were initial plans to recover the stone and raise the scow, but it remains unclear if these efforts were successful or if the scow was left abandoned in its watery grave.

Unraveling the Barge’s Origin: #

Considering the historical context and the accounts of barge activity in Basin Harbor, it is plausible that the barge discovered on Little Grenadier Island was repurposed over the years for various construction projects. The abandoned barge could have served as a workhorse, aiding in the transportation of equipment and materials for land development, including the construction of homes and the now-vanished Hall on the island.

The barge resting on the west side of Little Grenadier Island holds secrets of a bygone era, where barges were essential for maritime activities in Basin Harbor. While the exact circumstances leading to its current location remain unclear, the history of construction projects on the island, the sinking of the scow “Uncle Paul,” and the presence of the abandoned barge all contribute to the enigmatic story surrounding Little Grenadier Island. As locals continue to delve into its history, the barge serves as a tangible reminder of the island’s rich past and the industrious endeavors that shaped its development.

Note: This article presents a speculative exploration of the history and origins of the barge on Little Grenadier Island based on historical records and local accounts.

Aerial Photo Gallery CC Dan Gildea 2023 #

Underwater Photo Gallery CC Dan Gildea 2023 #

Aerial Video – CC Dan Gildea 2023 #

3D Model CC Dan Gildea #

Little Grenadier Model Complete by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

External Links #

• Wikipedia
• 1000 Islands Trust
• Thanks to Kevin at Cape Vincent Historical Society