IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
SITE DESCRIPTION
The wreck of the sidewheeler steamship HERCULES lies in shallow waters near Garden Island, Lake Ontario. The site rests at a depth of between 10 and 20 feet, making it highly accessible for divers, snorkelers, and those interested in maritime history. The wreck’s location near the historic shipbuilding hub of Garden Island offers a unique glimpse into the region’s 19th-century industrial past.
HISTORY
The HERCULES was constructed in 1856 by Henry Roney at Garden Island, Ontario, a prominent shipbuilding area during that period. The vessel was primarily used as a towboat and was owned by Dexter D. Calvin, operating under the ownership of Calvin & Breck. The HERCULES was equipped with a sidewheel propulsion system powered by a 57 x 120-inch engine, which was quite powerful for its time.
The vessel measured 122.2 feet in length, with a beam of 25.8 feet and a depth of 11.5 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 470 tons, making it a significant steamship for towing operations on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
However, the HERCULES’s operational history was marred by several tragic incidents. On September 10, 1858, a boiler explosion occurred while the ship was on the St. Lawrence River, resulting in the loss of seven lives. This tragedy highlighted the inherent dangers of steam navigation during the 19th century.
In 1860, ownership of the HERCULES transferred to Calvin & Breck of Garden Island, and it continued to serve under their ownership when they relocated to Kingston, Ontario, in 1866. The vessel remained in operation until December 9, 1871, when it was destroyed by fire while in its winter quarters at Kingston, alongside the vessel HIGHLANDER.
Despite efforts to salvage the vessel on June 5, 1873, the HERCULES ultimately remained at the bottom of Lake Ontario, where it lies to this day.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The HERCULES was destroyed by fire in 1871 and was left in its final resting place near Garden Island after salvage attempts were unsuccessful in 1873. The wreck now lies in shallow waters, where it has become a significant historical site.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the HERCULES wreck, but as always, divers should exercise caution when exploring shallow wrecks, as visibility can be affected by sediment and there may be sharp objects or other hazards present.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck of the HERCULES has been known to local divers and historians for many years. Its shallow depth and proximity to Garden Island make it a well-known site in the area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The HERCULES wreck is accessible to divers and snorkelers due to its shallow depth. The remains of the sidewheels and other structural components of the steamship can still be observed, offering an intriguing exploration opportunity for those interested in the history of Great Lakes steam navigation. The site is particularly valuable for educational purposes and underwater photography.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – HERCULES: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – HERCULES: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
- The Archaeology of Watercraft Abandonment: Watercraft Abandonment
KEYWORDS
- HERCULES, Sidewheeler, Steamship, Garden Island, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Fire.
ANALYSIS The HERCULES is an important artifact from the 19th century, representing the era of steam-powered navigation on the Great Lakes and the challenges associated with it. The vessel’s history of service, accidents, and eventual destruction by fire underscores the risks faced by mariners during this period. The wreck, now resting in shallow water near Garden Island, provides a tangible connection to the past and an opportunity for divers and historians to explore and document a significant piece of maritime history. The HERCULES’s legacy continues through its preserved remains and the stories of its voyages and misfortunes.
