IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CIBOLA was a sidewheel-powered excursion vessel, designed to offer passengers scenic and leisurely trips across the waters of Lake Ontario. Excursion vessels like the CIBOLA were known for their spacious decks and elegant design, often providing luxurious amenities for passengers. The steel-hulled CIBOLA was an impressive example of this vessel type, combining powerful engines with a robust structure, making it a popular choice for tourism and recreational outings in the late 19th century.
HISTORY #
The CIBOLA was constructed in 1888 at the Rathbun Shipyard in Deseronto, Ontario, using prefabricated parts shipped from Glasgow, Scotland. The vessel featured a steel hull and was powered by sidewheels, with compound engines built by Rankin, Blackmore & Company in Greenock, Scotland. These engines, coupled with six large coal-fired boilers, gave the CIBOLA a total horsepower of 2000, enabling it to reach impressive speeds of up to 20 mph during its excursions.
The CIBOLA was initially operated by the Niagara Navigation Co., offering passengers enjoyable trips across Lake Ontario. With its two decks and spacious accommodations, the vessel quickly became a favorite among excursionists seeking to experience the scenic beauty of the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
Tragically, on July 15, 1895, the CIBOLA met its end when it caught fire while docked in Lewiston, New York, on Lake Ontario. The fire devastated the vessel, rendering it beyond repair. However, the vessel’s powerful engines and boilers were salvaged and transported to the Bertram Engine Works. These components were later installed in another vessel named Corona (official number C103673), ensuring that part of the CIBOLA continued to serve in the maritime world even after the vessel itself was lost.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The exact remains of the CIBOLA are not accessible, as the vessel was largely destroyed by fire and its valuable machinery was removed. The site of the fire in Lewiston, New York, is likely within a historical context rather than a typical dive site. Divers or historians interested in the vessel’s story might focus on the history of the Corona, where the CIBOLA‘s engines and boilers found new life.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Toronto Telegram (Toronto, ON), 22 Apr 1950
- Marine Naval Archives
- Niagara Navigation Co. Historical References
