Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The Carlyle (also known as Carlisle) was a wooden propeller-driven steambarge. Steambarges like the Carlyle were versatile vessels commonly used on the inland waterways of North America during the 19th century. They were typically employed for transporting freight, passengers, and other cargo, utilizing the power of steam engines for propulsion. The Carlyle‘s modest size and power made it well-suited for operations in the Rideau Canal and Bay of Quinte, where it served both commercial and touring purposes.
History The Carlyle was constructed in 1870 at Bedford Mills, Ontario, by John Doran. It was initially owned by Robert Makins of Kingston, Ontario. The steambarge was equipped with a 12-horsepower steam engine, featuring a single cylinder, boiler, and propeller, which provided the necessary power for its operations.
Throughout its operational life, the Carlyle changed ownership multiple times. It was owned by William Nickle of Kingston in December 1870, and by G. Chaffey of Kingston in January 1873. The vessel was re-measured in 1877, with its gross tonnage recorded as 128.37 tons and its registered tonnage as 83 tons. By 1882, Swift & Co. of Kingston had taken ownership of the Carlyle.
Tragically, on September 28, 1883, the Carlyle was wrecked near Picton, Ontario, in Lake Ontario. Specific details of the wreck are scarce, and there is no mention of any loss of life associated with the incident. At the time of the wreck, the vessel was owned by W. Redmond of Picton. Following the wreck, the Carlyle was condemned in 1885 and subsequently broken up, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition The Carlyle was wrecked near Picton, Ontario, on September 28, 1883. The circumstances of the wreck remain largely undocumented, but the vessel was condemned and broken up two years later in 1885. The wreck site near Picton likely holds the remains of the vessel, though no significant salvage or recovery efforts are noted.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically concerning the wreck of the Carlyle. The wreck site near Picton is not marked, and it remains largely unexplored.
Located By & Date The exact location of the wreck has not been documented in detail, but it is known to have occurred near Picton, Ontario, on September 28, 1883.
Current Condition & Accessibility The Carlyle was condemned and broken up following its wreck in 1883, with no significant parts known to have been salvaged. The wreck site is likely scattered and largely deteriorated, with minimal remains accessible for exploration.
Resources & Links
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List: A resource providing historical information on vessels like the Carlyle.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, including the Carlyle.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Carlyle.
Keywords Carlyle, Carlisle, steambarge, Picton, Lake Ontario, Rideau Canal, Bay of Quinte, shipwreck, maritime history, Great Lakes
Analysis The Carlyle, later referred to as Carlisle, represents a common yet vital type of vessel that navigated the inland waterways of Ontario during the late 19th century. Built for freight and touring, this wooden propeller steambarge served multiple owners and various roles over its 13-year career. The wreck of the Carlyle near Picton in 1883, though not well-documented, highlights the risks faced by vessels of this type, particularly in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s eventual condemnation and dismantling reflect the harsh realities of maritime operations during this period, where many ships met untimely ends due to the unpredictable nature of the lakes. The Carlyle‘s story, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping history, illustrating the technological and commercial developments of the time.
