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The wooden sloop named Alberta was registered in 1899 and had its port of registry in Kingston, Ontario. It was built in Cape Vincent, New York in 1886 and had a gross tonnage of 122 and a net tonnage of 88. The ship was completely destroyed by fire in Trenton, Ontario on October 8, 1902. Its official number was 103648, and its registration was closed on December 3, 1902.
The Alberta underwent a series of ownership changes throughout its history. Originally owned by A.R. Hinckley of Cape Vincent, New York, it was later owned by Captain Smith of Belleville, Ontario. It operated as a steam barge on the St. Lawrence River and Bay of Quinte.
In 1890, the Alberta was rebuilt as a steam barge with dimensions of 98.5 x 18 x 7 feet and a gross tonnage of 88. It underwent further ownership changes, with G.R. Hinckley of Cape Vincent taking ownership in 1891 and A.L. Hinckley et al. in 1898. The ship was then transferred to Kingston, Ontario in 1899 and later to Captain Smith of Belleville.
On October 8, 1902, the Alberta was tragically destroyed by fire on Lake Ontario. The crew had a thrilling escape from the burning vessel, which was valued at $3,000 and was sailing without cargo at the time of the incident.
In a previous incident on November 11, 1893, the Alberta had run aground on Whisky Island Shoal near Grindstone Island in a coal-laden state. The ship was in a precarious condition as a result.
Despite its eventual fate, the Alberta had a notable history as a steam barge, navigating the waters of Lake Ontario and serving various owners throughout its years of operation.
