History #
The CATARAQUI was a sidewheel steamer built in 1836 in Kingston, Ontario. It was primarily used for passenger and freight transportation. The steamer had a length of approximately 105 feet and a beam of 28 feet.
Tragically, the CATARAQUI met its demise on April 17, 1840, during a great fire that engulfed much of Kingston’s waterfront area. The fire resulted in the total loss of the CATARAQUI. The exact details regarding the loss of life and the cargo it was carrying at the time are unknown.
It is worth noting that the CATARAQUI was equipped with the engine salvaged from another steamer named THOMAS McKAY. The THOMAS McKAY had been built in 1834 but was wrecked in the Rideau Canal in October 1835.
The CATARAQUI was owned by the Ottawa and Rideau Forwarding Co. and played a significant role in transportation along the Kingston-Ottawa-Grenville route via the Rideau Canal. It occasionally operated on the Kingston-Prescott route as well.
Unfortunately, the CATARAQUIs service came to an end in a devastating fire that was part of the Great Fire of Kingston in 1840.
External Links #
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Carf – The Great Fire
