Uncle Paul U60118

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Uncle Paul was a wooden scow barge built in 1900, designed primarily for transporting heavy loads such as stone and other bulk materials across Lake Ontario. Scows like the Uncle Paul were essential for supporting the construction and development projects in the 1000 Islands region and along the St. Lawrence River. With a flat-bottomed design, these vessels were well-suited for navigating the shallow waters and docking close to shorelines, making them ideal for transporting materials necessary for land development and infrastructure projects.

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE #

The Uncle Paul was a barge constructed in 1900, during a period of significant industrial growth in the Basin Harbor area. This region was experiencing a surge in infrastructure development, particularly on the nearby islands, and vessels like the Uncle Paul played a crucial role in supporting these activities. The barge was designed specifically for the transportation of heavy construction materials, such as stone and gravel, which were essential for the building of docks, piers, and other waterfront infrastructure. The construction of the Uncle Paul was likely a direct response to the increasing demand for reliable transportation services that could handle large quantities of such materials, ensuring the continuous flow of supplies necessary for the region’s burgeoning industrial activities.

On September 5, 1908, the Uncle Paul embarked on a routine voyage from Chaumont, New York, destined for Little Grenadier Island. The barge was heavily loaded with 125 tons of stone intended for dock filling, a crucial component of the island’s infrastructure projects. However, the journey was anything but routine. As the Uncle Paul navigated the waters of Lake Ontario, it encountered unexpectedly heavy seas near Fox Island. The conditions quickly deteriorated, with the barge beginning to take on water, threatening its stability and the safety of the crew. Captain P. P. Phelps, commanding the vessel, made the critical decision to steer the Uncle Paul towards a more sheltered position between Little Grenadier and Fox Island, hoping to protect the barge from the worst of the storm.

Despite the crew’s best efforts to save the vessel, the Uncle Paul continued to take on water at an alarming rate. The barge ultimately foundered and sank, becoming a total loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost during the incident, thanks to the swift and decisive actions of Captain Phelps and his crew. However, the barge and its valuable cargo of stone were never recovered, marking the end of the Uncle Paul’s service. The loss of the Uncle Paul was officially recorded in the 1909 fiscal year reports of U.S. vessels, where it was noted as a significant maritime casualty.

The sinking of the Uncle Paul underscores the dangers faced by mariners in the Great Lakes region during the early 20th century. The waters of Lake Ontario, while vital for transportation and trade, were also notoriously unpredictable and hazardous, particularly during sudden storms. The wreck of the Uncle Paul, now resting in approximately 8 feet of water near Fox Island, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks associated with maritime transport in this era. Although the exact location of the wreck remains unconfirmed, it is presumed to lie close to the area where the barge was last seen, between Little Grenadier Island and Fox Island. Today, the Uncle Paul remains a silent testament to the perils of early 20th-century navigation on the Great Lakes, its story a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Uncle Paul foundered and sank on September 5, 1908, near Fox Island in Lake Ontario. The wreck remains submerged in approximately 8 feet of water, a silent testament to the challenges faced by mariners in the region during the early 20th century. The exact location of the wreck has yet to be confirmed, but it is presumed to be near the area where it was last seen, between Little Grenadier Island and Fox Island.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

Located by: The wreck has not been definitively located, but it is presumed to lie in the area near Fox Island, Lake Ontario.
Date of Discovery: The wreck’s location is based on historical accounts from 1908, but no formal discovery or identification has been recorded.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Uncle Paul wreck site, given its shallow depth and location near the shore. However, caution should be exercised by those navigating the area, particularly by recreational boaters and divers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The Uncle Paul likely remains in a state of significant deterioration, with the wooden structure buried or scattered on the lakebed. The shallow depth makes it accessible for onshore observation or shallow-water exploration. Due to the historical significance of the site, care should be taken to avoid disturbing the remains.

Aerial Photo Gallery CC Dan Gildea 2023 #

Underwater Photo Gallery CC Dan Gildea 2023 #

Aerial Video – CC Dan Gildea 2023 #

3D Model CC Dan Gildea #

Little Grenadier Model Complete by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Wikipedia: General information on the Thousand Islands region.
• 1000 Islands Trust: Provides conservation information about the Thousand Islands, including maritime history.
• Dan Gildea’s Aerial and Underwater Photography: Features aerial and underwater photography of the Thousand Islands, including potential images of the barge.
• Cape Vincent Historical Society: Offers historical insights and resources related to the Cape Vincent area and surrounding islands.

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CONCLUSION #

The Uncle Paul barge represents a significant piece of the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Its loss in 1908 highlights the risks associated with transporting heavy materials across the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. While the barge itself may be lost to time, its story endures as part of the rich tapestry of the region’s industrial and maritime heritage.

Uncle Paul barge, Fox Island shipwreck, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, scow barge, Basin Harbor, 1000 Islands shipwrecks, early 20th-century maritime transport