CORNWALL C71609, KINGSTON, BAVARIAN, ALGERIAN

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

• Type: Steam-powered paddle wheeler
• Construction: Built in Montreal, Quebec, in 1855
• Original Name: Kingston
• Design Features: Paddle wheelers like the Kingston were side-wheel steamers commonly used for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. These vessels were characterized by their large side-mounted paddle wheels that provided propulsion, making them a popular choice for navigating the inland waterways of North America during the 19th century.

HISTORY #

The vessel originally named Kingston was built in 1855 in Montreal, Quebec, for use in passenger and freight services. Over its extensive operational life, the ship underwent multiple rebuilds and was renamed several times, reflecting both the changes in ownership and the various roles it served.

• 1855-1872: Kingston The vessel started its service as Kingston, transporting passengers and cargo on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. This era marked the height of paddle wheeler operations, with vessels like Kingston playing a critical role in connecting communities across the region.

• 1872-1874: Bavarian In 1872, the Kingston was rebuilt in Montreal and renamed Bavarian. This period was marked by a series of challenges, including a devastating fire in 1872, which the vessel survived, only to undergo another reconstruction after a fire in 1873.

• 1874-1904: Algerian Renamed Algerian after another reconstruction in Kingston, Ontario, in 1874, the vessel continued to operate under its new name. The Algerian had a tumultuous history, with multiple incidents, including a collision on August 2, 1889, when it struck a rock near Morrisburg. Despite these challenges, the vessel remained in service for several more decades.

• 1904-1930: Cornwall By 1904, the vessel was again renamed, this time to Cornwall, reflecting its new role as a salvage vessel. The Cornwall continued to operate until 1930, after which it was retired from service.

Final Disposition: After being taken out of service, the Cornwall was deliberately scuttled in 1930 near Amherst Island, close to one of Kingston’s known ship graveyards. The vessel was left to rest on the lakebed, where it remained hidden until its rediscovery in 1989 by diver Rick Neilson.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The vessel was deliberately scuttled near Amherst Island in Lake Ontario in 1930 after being retired from service. The wreck was discovered in 1989 and has since become a popular site for divers. The Cornwall’s remains lie relatively intact, preserved by the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Cornwall wreck. However, the site is recognized as a notable shipwreck and is frequented by divers interested in historical shipwrecks.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

• Discovery: The wreck was discovered by diver Rick Neilson in 1989.
• Original Construction: The vessel was built in 1855 and was deliberately sunk in 1930 after its retirement.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

• Condition: The Cornwall wreck lies at a depth of 70 feet (21 meters) and is relatively intact. The freshwater environment of Lake Ontario has helped preserve the vessel, though natural deterioration has occurred over time due to its age and the deliberate sinking.
• Accessibility: The site is accessible to divers, and its relatively shallow depth makes it suitable for recreational diving. The wreck’s location near a known ship graveyard adds to its historical interest, making it a favored spot for those interested in exploring the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

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3d Model from 3Dshipwrecks.com 

Photo Galleries ( Historical, James Pate, Tom Rutledge, Matthew Charlesworth)

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RESOURCES & LINKS

• Additional Resources:
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File
  • Inland Seas Journal
  • Dept. of Marine and Fisheries Annual Reports (1872, 1873)
  • The Toronto Globe
  • Ross Robertson, Landmarks of Canada
  • River Palace – Rick Neilson and Walter Lewis, Durham Press
• References:
  • Information compiled from the David Swayze Shipwreck File, the Dept. of Marine and Fisheries Annual Reports, The Toronto Globe, and historical references from the River Palace and Ross Robertson’s Landmarks of Canada.

ANALYSIS The Kingston, later known as Algerian and Cornwall, represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Its multiple rebuilds and name changes reflect the vessel’s adaptability and the shifting needs of the region’s maritime industries. Despite enduring several wrecks, fires, and collisions, the vessel continued to serve for over seven decades. The decision to scuttle the vessel near Amherst Island, rather than allowing it to deteriorate naturally, underscores its role in the maritime landscape, where even in its final resting place, it continues to capture the interest of historians and divers alike.

KEYWORDS: Kingston, Algerian, Cornwall, paddle wheeler, Lake Ontario, Amherst Island, shipwreck, maritime history, Great Lakes, scuttling, Rick Neilson, dive site