IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The CITY OF TOLEDO was a steam-powered propeller vessel, a type commonly used on the Great Lakes and connecting rivers during the 19th century. These vessels were essential for transporting goods such as grain, flour, and other bulk commodities across the vast freshwater network. The propeller design, which used a screw propeller for propulsion, was a significant technological advancement over earlier paddlewheel steamers, offering better efficiency and maneuverability.
HISTORY: #
The CITY OF TOLEDO was an active participant in the busy commercial trade routes of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The vessel was wheat and flour-laden, indicating that it was likely engaged in transporting these staple goods from the agricultural regions of the Midwest to markets along the eastern seaboard or for export.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On October 22, 1877, the CITY OF TOLEDO was reported to have sunk in the St. Lawrence River, approximately nine miles below Alexandria Bay. The cause of the sinking is not detailed in the available reports, but given the era, it could have been due to a variety of factors such as collision, grounding, structural failure, or severe weather.
Tugs and a lighter were dispatched to assist the CITY OF TOLEDO, suggesting an attempt to salvage the vessel or its valuable cargo of wheat and flour. However, the success of these efforts is not recorded in the available historical accounts.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the CITY OF TOLEDO wreck. The site, being in a major navigational channel, would have been documented and either marked or cleared by subsequent maritime activities.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the CITY OF TOLEDO was reported on October 22, 1877, with the incident widely covered in regional newspapers, such as the Cleveland Herald on October 23, 1877. The exact coordinates of the wreck have not been provided in the historical records.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The current condition of the CITY OF TOLEDO wreck remains undocumented, and it is unclear whether the vessel was salvaged, partially recovered, or remains on the riverbed. Given the location in a heavily trafficked area of the St. Lawrence River, it is possible that any significant remnants of the vessel have either been removed or buried under sediment over time.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston: This museum could have more detailed records or archives regarding the CITY OF TOLEDO and similar vessels operating in the region.
- Archives of Ontario: May hold newspaper archives, shipping registers, and other documents that could provide further insight into the incident and subsequent salvage efforts.
- WreckSite (www.wrecksite.eu): An online database that might contain additional information or user-contributed data regarding the CITY OF TOLEDO.
PHOTOS: #
No known photographs of the CITY OF TOLEDO exist, as it predates the widespread use of photography. However, illustrations of similar propeller vessels from the 19th century may provide a visual reference.
