IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
- Type: Steel-hulled propeller vessel
- Purpose: The RAPIDS QUEEN, originally named COLUMBIAN, was a versatile vessel that served multiple roles throughout its lifespan. Initially built for navigating rapids and transporting passengers, it later served as a floating hotel and was ultimately converted into an oil bunkering barge. Its adaptability made it a key player in various maritime activities across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
HISTORY The vessel was launched in 1892 under the name COLUMBIAN by the Joy Line (Morgan Iron Works) in New York City. Its initial role involved navigating the challenging Cedar Rapids on the St. Lawrence River, showcasing its sturdy design and the expertise of its crew. The vessel was built with a rock elm sheath to protect it during these perilous passages.
In 1901, COLUMBIAN was rebuilt in Sorel, Quebec, increasing its gross tonnage to 944 tons. By 1905, the vessel was renamed BROCKVILLE. Another significant rebuild took place in 1909, again in Sorel, after which the vessel was renamed RAPIDS QUEEN. Its dimensions were altered, and its tonnage increased, reflecting its new role under this name.
Throughout its career, RAPIDS QUEEN was owned by several companies, including Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Co., Canada Steamship Lines, Dominion Towing & Salvage Co., and Sincennes-McNaughton Tugs. The vessel’s functions evolved over time, from rapids navigation to serving as a passenger vessel, and later as a floating hotel in Morrisburg, Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION By 1930, RAPIDS QUEEN was laid up in Kingston, Ontario, and later served as a hotel for patients of a clinic. In 1938, the vessel was sold to Canadian Dredge & Dock Co., Ltd., where it was transformed into an oil bunkering barge named C.D. 110. During this phase, the vessel contributed to the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Its final role was as a breakwater at Ward’s Island in Toronto Harbor, under the ownership of Queen City Yacht Club, marking the end of its active maritime career.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this vessel have been identified.
LOCATED BY & DATE
- Final Use: The vessel was repurposed as a breakwater at Ward’s Island in Toronto Harbor.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
- Condition: The RAPIDS QUEEN was converted into a breakwater, marking the end of its functional life. Its current state is consistent with that of other vessels repurposed for breakwater duties, where it serves to protect harbor facilities from waves and erosion.
- Accessibility: The vessel is located at Ward’s Island in Toronto Harbor, and while not accessible as a functional ship, it remains part of the harbor’s breakwater structure.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Additional Resources:
- References:
- Information compiled from the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Edward J. Dowling Collection, and other maritime history sources, including the Maritime History of the Great Lakes and Queen City Yacht Club.
ANALYSIS The RAPIDS QUEEN‘s journey from its origins as COLUMBIAN to its final role as a breakwater is a testament to the vessel’s durability and adaptability. Throughout its service, the ship was modified and repurposed multiple times, reflecting the changing needs of the maritime industry over the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its long and varied history provides a rich narrative of maritime innovation and the evolution of ship use on the Great Lakes and beyond.
KEYWORDS: RAPIDS QUEEN, COLUMBIAN, BROCKVILLE, propeller vessel, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, rapids navigation, maritime history, ship rebuilds, breakwater, Toronto Harbor
