Mortons Wharf

Mortons Wharf, Kingston ON #

Diving Morton’s Wharf in Kingston, Ontario is a unique and exciting way to explore the underwater world of Lake Ontario. The wharf is located at 370 King Street in Kingston and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Unveiling the Hidden Heritage: Morton’s Wharf

As we traverse the roads of history, some landmarks remain hidden beneath the surface, awaiting discovery by those who seek to uncover the tales they hold. Morton’s Wharf, nestled in the heart of Kingston, Ontario, is one such landmark that carries a legacy of maritime activity and industrial growth.

To reach Morton’s Wharf, one must follow a path that leads to King Street and then take a left turn. The wharf, a silent witness to the passage of time, rests on the left side of the street, just beyond Ontario Street. However, before embarking on a journey to explore the secrets of Morton’s Wharf, it’s essential to heed the call of safety. Divers and adventurers must ensure they check the dive conditions and remain mindful of underwater hazards, such as boat traffic and submerged debris.

A Tale of Two Breweries

The history of Morton’s Wharf is interwoven with the stories of two renowned breweries—Drummond Brewery and Morton’s Brewery. The year 1817 saw the establishment of Drummond Brewery in Montreal, Quebec, where it quickly gained recognition for its exceptional beer brewed using traditional methods. Over time, it grew under the guidance of successive generations of the Drummond family.

Simultaneously, Morton’s Brewery emerged on the scene in 1834 in Kingston, Ontario. Like its counterpart, Morton’s Brewery also carved a niche for itself in the brewing world, garnering acclaim for its quality beer. Under the stewardship of the Morton family, the brewery expanded its reach and influence.

As the 1800s drew to a close, both Drummond Brewery and Morton’s Brewery found themselves grappling with increased competition from industrial giants in the brewing industry. Faced with the challenge of staying competitive, the two breweries opted for a strategic merger. This decision marked a turning point, as family-owned legacies joined forces to navigate the changing currents of the industry.

In the early years of its existence, Morton’s Brewery relied on waterways for shipping its products. Located in Kingston, a major port city on the St. Lawrence River, the brewery harnessed the power of ships to transport its beer to various destinations along the river and to cities like Toronto and Montreal. The brewery’s connection to maritime history even extended to the acquisition of the HMS St. Lawrence, a decommissioned British Navy ship, for potential storage purposes.

Exploring Beneath the Surface

Morton’s Wharf, submerged beneath the waves, tells a story of commerce, connectivity, and maritime trade. The remnants of the wharf continue to stand as a testament to the significance of structures that supported the movement of goods and vessels. Although often overlooked, wharves like Morton’s are integral to our understanding of marine heritage. Divers who explore these submerged treasures uncover a chapter of history that once thrived above the waterline.

Various Ariel Views of Morton’s Wharf – Various Sources #

Preserving Our Maritime Legacy

As we uncover the narratives hidden beneath the surface, it becomes evident that shipwrecks are not the only markers of our maritime history. Wharves, piers, and docks—structures that once facilitated trade and transportation—also play a crucial role. Despite their seeming ordinariness, these structures are critical to comprehending our maritime heritage. Through efforts to study and protect sites like Morton’s Wharf, we honor the labor, innovation, and interconnectedness that shaped our past.

So, next time you embark on a journey to Morton’s Wharf, remember that you’re stepping into a world where history converges with the present, and where the past whispers its stories to those who are willing to listen.

Various Photos by Matthew Charlesworth CC 2022

External Links #

• BEER, HIGH WINES WHISKEY & MORTON’S WHARF Jonathan Moore SOS NL 94