WYOMING (renamed MAPLEGLEN in 1920) C141589

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The WYOMING, later renamed MAPLEGLEN, was a large merchant vessel built in 1887 in Buffalo, New York. Initially measuring 241.0 feet in length, the vessel was later modified to 250.4 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 1,952.80 tons and a net tonnage of 1,739.75 tons at the time of its construction. Designed as a propeller-driven cargo vessel, it played a significant role in transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The WYOMING entered service in 1887 with its home port in Buffalo, New York. Throughout the 1890s, it was frequently chartered by the Port Huron & Detroit Steamship Co. In 1906, the vessel underwent a rebuild, slightly altering its dimensions and tonnage. Over the years, it saw several ownership changes, eventually becoming part of the American Interlake Line in 1917 and later Canada Steamship Lines in 1919, where it was renamed MAPLEGLEN.

After being laid up in 1921, the MAPLEGLEN did not return to service. In 1925, the hull was scuttled off Kingston, Ontario, marking the end of its service life.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The MAPLEGLEN was scuttled off Amherst Island, Lake Ontario, at the coordinates provided. The vessel lies at a depth of 70 feet, making it accessible to divers. This was part of a deliberate scuttling process, common in the early 20th century for vessels that had reached the end of their operational life.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the MAPLEGLEN is located at a shallow depth of 70 feet, making it suitable for recreational divers. The site is likely to be well-preserved due to the relatively cold, freshwater environment of Lake Ontario. The wreck is of interest both for its historical significance and as a dive site.

Photo Gallery 2022 Matthew Charlesworth CC

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Photo Gallery 2010 Tom Rutledge CC     

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• NTD Video of the MAPLEGLEN: A video resource detailing the history and scuttling of the vessel.
• Vlada Dekina Photogallery 2002: A photographic archive that includes images of the wreck site.
• Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: A resource for divers looking for detailed information about the dive site.
• Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project 1998: Archival footage and photographs documenting the wreck.

KEYWORDS #

• WYOMING
• MAPLEGLEN
• Amherst Island wreck
• Kingston Harbour clean-up
• Great Lakes shipwreck
• Scuttled hulls
• Lake Ontario diving

ANALYSIS #

The scuttling of vessels like the MAPLEGLEN reflects the maritime practices of the early 20th century, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The decision to scuttle ships was driven by the need to manage obsolete or damaged vessels economically. The MAPLEGLEN represents a significant period in shipping history when the Great Lakes were a critical transportation hub. The site today offers insights into the industrial heritage of the region, as well as opportunities for historical exploration through diving.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• NTD Video of the MAPLEGLEN: A video resource detailing the history and scuttling of the vessel.
• Vlada Dekina Photogallery 2002: A photographic archive that includes images of the wreck site.
• Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: A resource for divers looking for detailed information about the dive site.
• Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project 1998: Archival footage and photographs documenting the wreck.

KEYWORDS #

• WYOMING
• MAPLEGLEN
• Amherst Island wreck
• Kingston Harbour clean-up
• Great Lakes shipwreck
• Scuttled hulls
• Lake Ontario diving

ANALYSIS #

The scuttling of vessels like the MAPLEGLEN reflects the maritime practices of the early 20th century, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The decision to scuttle ships was driven by the need to manage obsolete or damaged vessels economically. The MAPLEGLEN represents a significant period in shipping history when the Great Lakes were a critical transportation hub. The site today offers insights into the industrial heritage of the region, as well as opportunities for historical exploration through diving.