CONESTOGA C140988

The CONESTOGA, a steamer with a storied past, met its tragic end in the waters of the St. Lawrence River near Cardinal, Ontario. Originally built as the SUSQUEHANNA in 1878, this vessel was part of the renowned Anchor Line, a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad that played a crucial role in transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Despite its successful service over several decades, the CONESTOGA was destroyed by fire in 1922, leaving behind remnants that still haunt the river’s depths.

Construction and Early History #

The SUSQUEHANNA was constructed in 1878 by Thomas Quayle in Cleveland, Ohio. With a length of 252.8 feet, the vessel was a significant addition to the Anchor Line’s fleet of wooden-hulled package freighters. The Anchor Line was easily recognizable by its distinctive color scheme: green hulls with white upper trim, white cabins, yellow masts, and crimson stacks adorned with a black smoke band. Each vessel also featured a red keystone, representing the Pennsylvania Railroad, and a white anchor on the bow.

The SUSQUEHANNA served the Anchor Line well, transporting goods across the Great Lakes as part of the company’s package freight service. However, as the shipping industry evolved, so did the need for modernized vessels. In 1886, the Anchor Line constructed a new steel-hulled vessel named SUSQUEHANNA, and the original steamer was renamed CONESTOGA.

Transition to New Ownership #

In 1906, the CONESTOGA was sold to the Crosby Transportation Company of Milwaukee as part of the Anchor Line’s fleet modernization efforts. Under Crosby’s ownership, the steamer operated primarily on Lake Michigan, carrying passengers and general cargo between Milwaukee, Grand Haven, and Muskegon.

In 1918, the CONESTOGA was acquired by the Lake Port Shipping Company of Sarnia and operated by Canada Steamship Lines Ltd. (C.S.L.). Although she continued to serve as a package freighter, her days were numbered as C.S.L. began phasing out its wooden vessels.

The Tragic Fire of 1922 #

The CONESTOGA‘s operational life came to a tragic end on May 9, 1922. While downbound in the Galops Lock of the Williamsburg Canal near Cardinal, Ontario, the steamer caught fire. The fire quickly spread and became uncontrollable, forcing the vessel to be flushed out of the lock. The burning ship drifted and grounded on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River near Cardinal.

Despite efforts to save the vessel, the CONESTOGA was completely destroyed by the fire. The cause of the fire remains a mystery, with some speculation suggesting that it may not have been accidental. The vessel’s destruction marked the end of an era for wooden-hulled steamers on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

The Wreck Site Today #

Today, the remains of the CONESTOGA lie in 30 feet of water near Cardinal, Ontario. Parts of the vessel’s boiler and steeple compound engine still protrude above the surface of the St. Lawrence River, serving as a haunting reminder of the ship’s tragic fate. The site is a point of interest for divers and maritime historians, offering a glimpse into the past and the storied history of Great Lakes shipping.

Legacy #

The CONESTOGA‘s legacy is one of service, transformation, and tragedy. From its early days as part of the Anchor Line fleet to its final years under Canadian ownership, the vessel played a vital role in transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its destruction by fire in 1922 marked the end of its long and varied career, but the remnants of the CONESTOGA continue to tell the story of a bygone era in maritime history.

Conclusion #

The story of the CONESTOGA is a reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the ship’s career ended in tragedy, its legacy endures through the wreckage that remains and the historical records that document its journey.

External Links and References #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: For further exploration of vessels like the CONESTOGA and the historical significance of Great Lakes shipping.
• Canada Steamship Lines History: Information on the history and operations of Canada Steamship Lines Ltd. and its fleet.
• Local Diving Clubs: For those interested in exploring the wreck of the CONESTOGA in the St. Lawrence River.