Vessel Name: Robert R. Rhodes #
Year of Build: 1887
Official Number: 131109
Construction and Ownership
The Robert R. Rhodes was a screw-propelled freighter built in 1887 by T. Quayle & Son in Cleveland, Ohio. It was designed to handle large cargoes across the Great Lakes and later the St. Lawrence Seaway, with a gross tonnage of 1,599. The vessel measured 246 feet in length, 40 feet in beam, and 17 feet in depth, making it a sizeable vessel for its era.
The engine powering the Robert R. Rhodes was a compound steam engine built by Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, featuring cylinders 28 inches and 50 inches in diameter, with a 42-inch stroke. This robust propulsion system allowed the vessel to operate effectively in the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes.
Ownership History
- 1887: Built in Cleveland, Ohio, and initially operated under U.S. registration.
- 1913: Purchased by F. E. Hall & Co., based in Montreal, Canada.
- 1917: Transferred ownership to the George Hall Coal & Transportation Co., a significant player in coal and bulk transport in the region.
- 1921: Operated by R. E. Lawlor of Hawkesbury, Ontario, while still under the management of the Hall company.
Operational History
The Robert R. Rhodes played a pivotal role in transporting coal and other bulk materials across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Ships like the Rhodes were essential to the industrial and commercial activities that fueled the growing economies of both the United States and Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Significant Incident: Rammed Gate at Lock 3, Welland Canal (1921)
One of the most notable events in the vessel’s history occurred on October 24, 1921, when the Robert R. Rhodesrammed the gate of Lock 3 in the Welland Canal. This accident caused significant damage to the ship and the canal infrastructure. The Welland Canal, an important navigational route linking Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, was vital for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes system. The collision resulted in major repairs and delays, impacting the vessel’s operational capability.
Final Disposition: Scuttled in Lake Ontario (1922)
After the damage sustained in the Welland Canal incident, the Robert R. Rhodes was deemed beyond repair. On October 23, 1922, the ship was scuttled in Lake Ontario, marking the end of its service. Scuttling was a common practice for decommissioning vessels that were no longer seaworthy or economically viable to repair.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Robert R. Rhodes is remembered as a part of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime history, representing the era of steam-powered bulk freighters that connected Midwestern industries to markets throughout the region. Its role in transporting coal and bulk materials contributed to the development of major industrial hubs in both Canada and the United States.
The incident at the Welland Canal and its eventual scuttling highlight the challenges of navigating complex waterways, where even experienced vessels could face difficulties that would lead to their demise. The wreck of the Robert R. Rhodes, like many others on the Great Lakes, continues to serve as a marker of the intense commercial activity that defined the region during this period.
Summary of Key Events #
- 1887: Built in Cleveland, Ohio, by T. Quayle & Son.
- 1913: Acquired by F. E. Hall & Co., Montreal.
- 1917: Ownership transferred to George Hall Coal & Transportation Co..
- 1921: Rammed Lock 3 of the Welland Canal, causing significant damage.
- 1922: Scuttled in Lake Ontario on October 23, marking the end of its operational life.
The story of the Robert R. Rhodes reflects the bustling activity of Great Lakes shipping and the crucial role these vessels played in transporting resources that fueled North America’s industrial growth. Despite its untimely end, the ship’s history contributes to the broader narrative of maritime trade and navigation in the region.
