The sidewheel steamer CITY OF TORONTO, which began its life in 1864 as a vessel of promise and convenience, ultimately met its demise in a fiery catastrophe. Here’s a comprehensive article detailing the history and unfortunate end of the CITY OF TORONTO:
Constructed in Niagara, Ontario, the CITY OF TORONTO was built in 1864 under the supervision of Louis Shickluna. The vessel was a sidewheel steamer, measuring 207 feet in length, 20 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 898 and a net tonnage of 513. It was originally owned by Duncan Milloy from Toronto.
The CITY OF TORONTO was equipped with a single mast and a sidewheel propulsion system, featuring a vertical beam (walking beam) engine powered by one cylinder. The engine, measuring 40.25 inches by 144 inches and producing 250 horsepower, was complemented by 28-foot sidewheels sourced from the vessel ZIMMERMAN (1854) through Macklem Iron Works in Chippewa, Ontario.
Throughout its operational years, the vessel underwent several changes in ownership, route, and tonnage. It was registered in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1864 and operated on the Toronto-Niagara route. Over time, ownership shifted, and the vessel underwent modifications and repairs.
However, the CITY OF TORONTO’s fate took a tragic turn on October 31, 1883. The vessel was undergoing reconstruction at Muir Bros. shipyard in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. The sidewheels had been removed to allow passage through the Welland Canal, and the vessel was in the process of being reassembled.
Tragedy struck when a fire broke out at the shipyard, engulfing the CITY OF TORONTO in flames. The blaze completely destroyed the vessel, leaving only ashes and charred remnants in its wake. The shipyard, which had once been a place of construction and repair, became the site of the vessel’s demise.
Despite the valiant efforts of those who attempted to salvage the vessel, the fire proved relentless and overwhelming. The CITY OF TORONTO, which had once sailed the waters of Lake Ontario, met its end in a destructive inferno.
The incident marked the conclusion of a vessel that had played a role in maritime transportation and history. From its construction in Niagara to its final resting place at Muir’s Drydock, the CITY OF TORONTO’s journey was one of both triumph and tragedy.
The story of the CITY OF TORONTO serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in maritime activities and the unpredictable nature of disasters. The vessel’s fiery end highlights the vulnerability of even the sturdiest vessels when faced with the destructive power of fire. The CITY OF TORONTO’s legacy lives on as a testament to the challenges faced by vessels and their crews navigating the waters of history.
