The Kingston Inner Harbor, a vital waterway stretching nearly five miles from the shores of Lake Ontario to Highway 401, has long played a significant role in the region’s maritime history. This area, part of the Cataraqui River and the Rideau Canal system, was historically a bustling hub for trade, transportation, and industry. Over time, it became a resting place for numerous vessels, many of which were abandoned or scuttled, creating what is now known as the Inner Harbor Hulks.
The Historical Context #
The Inner Harbor’s strategic location made it a key player in connecting Kingston to Ottawa via the Rideau Canal. The Cataraqui River, characterized by its leisurely flow, served as a natural route for trade and travel, funneling the waters of over 930 square kilometers of rugged Canadian Shield terrain into Lake Ontario. This created a unique estuarine environment where sediment from upstream mingled with the lake’s inlet, forming the bed for many of Kingston’s maritime operations.
The Discovery of Normandy Hall’s Vessel Remains #
In 1953, the excavation of Normandy Hall revealed the skeletal remains of four vessels. Initially thought to be remnants of French ships from the 1758 capture of Fort Frontenac, these were later identified as abandoned barges resting in shallow waters north of the Tete-du-Pont Barracks. The presence of these vessels, described as “Asiatic cholera” and “malarious exhalation” by Kingstonians in 1861, highlighted their hazardous nature and the pressing need for their removal.
Accumulation of Hulks in the Inner Harbor #
As the 19th century progressed, the Inner Harbor saw an increasing number of hulks accumulating near key industrial sites, such as the Cotton Mill (later known as the Woolen Mill). Notable among these was the schooner BELLE. The coal miner strike of 1902 exacerbated the situation when eight hulks, including the steamer INDIAN and the converted sidewheel-steamer turned-barge CITY OF KINGSTON, were deliberately grounded near the mill and stripped for firewood.
The Kingston & Pembroke Railway further contributed to the harbor’s maritime landscape by establishing two pile-wharves. These structures were designed to facilitate mineral transfers from northern mines to ships, but by the turn of the century, they had deteriorated, adding to the growing clutter of abandoned vessels.
The Foot-of-the-Lakes Terminal Ambition #
In 1911, a grand vision emerged to transform Kingston into a major lake port through the creation of the Foot-of-the-Lakes Terminal. This ambitious project, which sought substantial government funding, aimed to dredge the Inner Harbor to a depth of 22 feet, connect Belle Island to the mainland using dredged sludge, and replace the Cataraqui Penny Bridge. However, despite a $1.8 million plan, the project was plagued by obstacles and ultimately never came to fruition.
The Fate of the Hulks #
By 1923, Kingston’s City Council was grappling with the challenge of dealing with up to 40 hulks scattered throughout the Inner Harbor. Although the Canadian Pacific Railway agreed to remove the deteriorating pile-wharves in 1929, the area remained cluttered with derelict vessels. Some of these hulks were eventually towed to lake graveyards and sunk, while others succumbed to arson or were left to rot in the silty harbor waters. Smaller hulks near the shore may have served as impromptu pier extensions or breakwaters, gradually decaying over time.
The Modern-Day Legacy #
The post-war era saw a new generation of floating hulks accumulate in the harbor, particularly near Canadian Dredge & Dock (CD&D). Notable among these were the coal barge THERESA T., the government tender CONCRETIA, and the CD&D barge C.D.110, which had once been the steamer RAPIDS QUEEN. The completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s brought a surge of activity to CD&D, but Kingston’s prominence as a port began to wane thereafter. CD&D’s surplus fleet became an unsightly fixture in the harbor, contributing to the growing number of abandoned vessels.
The 1994 Archaeological Study #
In 1994, the Ontario Heritage Foundation funded an archaeological and historical study led by Jonathan Moore and managed by Maurice Smith. This study charted the remains of 14 vessels within the Inner Harbor. Only three were positively identified: the barge GLENGARRY, the barge CHICAGO, and the coal-schooner ABBIE L. ANDREWS. Today, these remnants are largely inaccessible, obscured by weed growth, landfill, sediment, and shallow waters. Once regarded as eyesores and hazards, these hulks are now viewed with a sense of intrigue, curiosity, and melancholy nostalgia, serving as mysterious reminders of Kingston’s rich marine history.
Conclusion #
The Inner Harbor Hulks of Kingston represent a fascinating chapter in the city’s maritime history. What began as a bustling port and industrial center gradually became a graveyard for vessels that outlived their usefulness. While the hulks were once seen as nuisances and health hazards, they are now appreciated as silent witnesses to the past, offering a glimpse into the lives and industries that shaped the region. As Kingston continues to evolve, these remnants of its maritime heritage remain, buried beneath the silt and waters of the Inner Harbor, waiting to be rediscovered and reinterpreted by future generations.
