A sidewheel steamer was built in Niagara, Ontario, to embark on a journey through the waters. Owned initially by D. Bethune of Toronto, this vessel would later find itself under the stewardship of Calvin & Breck of Kingston in 1848 and again in 1863. With dimensions measuring 141 feet in length, 19 feet in width, and 9 feet in depth, it possessed a gross tonnage of -221.
Constructed by the skilled hands of the Niagara Harbour & Dock Co., the steamer was launched on May 1st, 1842, marking the beginning of its storied history. Equipped with powerful engines, measuring 40½ inches by 96 inches, crafted by the very same builders, it was poised to navigate the bustling waters.
Initially, the steamer operated in the passenger trade on Lake Ontario, ferrying passengers to and fro. However, as time went on, its role shifted, primarily serving as a towboat from around 1854 onwards. Notably, during the winter of 1843-1844, the vessel found itself embroiled in an unexpected predicament. United States Customs, acting against regulations, impounded the steamer in Rochester, New York, where it remained until charges were eventually dropped.
In a harrowing incident on October 23rd, 1851, disaster struck. Battling a fierce storm on Lake Ontario, the vessel’s shaft broke, thrusting it into a state of peril. Miraculously, despite disappearing for two days, the steamer reappeared in Oswego, having weathered the tempestuous conditions and safely navigated its way through the turmoil.
However, the fate of the sidewheel steamer was sealed on October 23rd, 1874. Anchored at the dock in Kingston, tragedy befell the vessel as it sank into the depths of the waters. Condemned and deemed beyond salvage, the vessel met its ultimate demise. The remnants of the once-majestic steamer were broken up, concluding its illustrious but ill-fated journey.
