CURLEW C122178

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Name: Curlew (previously U 5965)
Type: Wooden River Tug
Official Number: C 122178 (previously U 5965)
Year Built: 1867
Builder: C.J. Rose, Ogdensburg, New York
Construction: Wooden hull, round stern design
Dimensions (Original Configuration):
- Length: 77.0 feet (register)
- Gross Tonnage: 63.06 tons
- Net Tonnage: 31.53 tons
Dimensions (Post-1901 Rebuild):
- Gross Tonnage: 84.6 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 57.53 tons
Engine: High-pressure single-cylinder engine, 80 indicated horsepower, 10.6 rated horsepower
Final Ownership: Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co. (1924-1933)
Final Disposition: Scuttled in 1933
Registry Closed: November 28, 1936

DETAILED HISTORY OF THE TUGBOAT CURLEW #

The Curlew, a wooden river tug originally designated U 5965, was launched in 1867, a product of the shipyards in Ogdensburg, New York. Built by C.J. Rose, the tug was designed with a round stern and powered by a high-pressure single-cylinder engine that provided 80 indicated horsepower, with a rated horsepower of 10.6. This robust little vessel played a versatile role in the busy waterways of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.

Construction and Early Years #

Upon its launch, the Curlew had a gross tonnage of 63.06 tons and a net tonnage of 31.53 tons, with a registered length of 77.0 feet. C.J. Rose, the builder, is believed to have been the initial owner of the tug, which was likely employed in various towing and river navigation tasks that were critical to the commerce of the time.

In 1875, ownership of the Curlew changed hands for the first time when it was sold to Hall and Gardiner, and in 1880, it was acquired by George Hall. The tug’s reputation as a reliable workhorse was solidified during these years, as it continued to operate on the busy waterways of the St. Lawrence River.

Rebuilds and Ownership Changes #

The Curlew underwent significant modifications throughout its operational life. The first major rebuild occurred in 1901 at the St. Lawrence Marine Railway in Ogdensburg, overseen by H.C. Pearson. This rebuild increased the tug’s gross tonnage to 84.6 tons and its registered tonnage to 57.53 tons, reflecting a significant upgrade to its capabilities and perhaps an extension to its hull or additional structural reinforcements.

Following the rebuild, the Curlew was sold to the Montreal Transportation Co., where it continued its duties. However, in 1907, the tug experienced a sinking incident but was successfully salvaged. After this event, it was sold to J.D. Morrison of Port Arthur, Ontario, where it underwent another rebuild—the third in its history.

In 1908, the Curlew was sold to the Great Lakes Dredging Co., marking the beginning of a new chapter in its service life. The tug played a critical role in supporting dredging operations, which were essential for maintaining navigable waterways across the Great Lakes.

Later Years and Final Fate #

Throughout the 1920s, the Curlew continued to change hands. By 1920, it may have been owned by J. O’Brien of Ottawa. However, by 1924, ownership had returned to the Great Lakes Dredging and Contracting Co., where the vessel remained until its final years.

The end of the Curlew came in 1933 when it was scuttled. The decision to scuttle the vessel likely came after years of service, during which the aging tug had become less viable to operate or repair. Its registry was officially closed on November 28, 1936, marking the end of an era for this storied tugboat.

Legacy of the Curlew #

The Curlew’s long service life, marked by multiple rebuilds and ownership changes, is a testament to the vessel’s resilience and the critical role it played in the maritime industries of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. From its beginnings in 1867 as a robust river tug to its final scuttling in 1933, the Curlew contributed to the development and maintenance of the vital waterways that supported the economic growth of the region.

The history of the Curlew reflects the broader story of the Great Lakes’ maritime industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of rapid expansion and technological change. Although the tug is no longer in service, its story lives on in the annals of maritime history.