]Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description The Resolute was initially built as a wooden schooner in 1883 and later converted into a steam barge. Vessels like the Resolute played a crucial role in the maritime trade on the Great Lakes, transporting various bulk goods and materials. The schooner’s conversion into a steam barge reflects the technological advancements of the period, as steam power became more prevalent in commercial shipping.
History The Resolute was constructed in Deseronto, Ontario, by W. Evans and launched on November 8, 1883. Registered in Deseronto, Ontario, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 336 tons and a net tonnage of 226 tons upon its initial launch. Over the years, the Resolute underwent multiple rebuilds and name changes, adapting to the demands of the maritime industry.
Rebuilds and Modifications #
- 1887: The first significant rebuild occurred, resulting in an increase in size. The vessel’s dimensions were expanded to 137 feet in length and 28 feet in width, with a gross tonnage of 372 tons.
- 1908: The Resolute underwent another rebuild in Toronto, Ontario, where it was further enlarged to a gross tonnage of 421 tons. During this period, the vessel was renamed John Rolph.
Ownership History #
The Resolute had several owners throughout its operational life, including:
- Deseronto Navigation Co. (Rathbun): The original owner from 1886 and again in 1906.
- Point Anne Quarries Ltd.: Owner in 1906 and 1927, indicating the vessel’s continued use in transporting materials for the quarrying industry.
Notable Incidents #
- September 21, 1890: The Resolute collided with the Reliance near Picton, Ontario. The extent of the damage from this collision is not detailed, but the incident underscores the risks of navigating the busy waters of the Great Lakes.
- November 22, 1906: The Resolute tragically sank in the Western Gap near Toronto, resulting in the loss of six lives. The vessel was later raised in November 1907 but sank again shortly afterward. Despite these setbacks, the Resolute was salvaged and returned to service in August 1908.
- Final Use: The vessel’s last recorded use was in 1923, and it was officially closed and scuttled in 1928, marking the end of its service life.
Final Disposition The Resolute was scuttled in 1928, following a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s registration was officially closed on December 31, 1906, after being wrecked off Toronto, Ontario. However, it was rebuilt and returned to service, only to be eventually scuttled after its final years of use.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Resolute, but its multiple incidents, including sinking and collisions, make it a vessel of historical interest in the region.
Located By & Date The Resolute was raised after sinking in 1906 but ultimately scuttled in 1928. The exact location of its final resting place has not been extensively documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility The Resolute was scuttled in 1928, meaning the vessel was intentionally sunk. There is no detailed record of the current condition of the wreck, and it is likely that it remains submerged and largely inaccessible to the public.
Resources & Links
- Mills List: Historical data on ships, including rebuilds and name changes, relevant to the Resolute.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Resolute.
Keywords Resolute, John Rolph, Deseronto, wooden schooner, steam barge, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, scuttled, maritime history, Great Lakes
Analysis The Resolute’s history is marked by resilience and adaptation. Originally launched as a wooden schooner in 1883, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds and was eventually converted into a steam barge, reflecting the evolving needs and technologies of the time. The tragic sinking in 1906 and the subsequent salvage efforts highlight the dangers and challenges faced by ships operating on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s final scuttling in 1928 marks the end of its long and eventful service, but the Resolute remains a significant part of the maritime history of Lake Ontario.
