IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
HISTORY & MODIFICATIONS #
The CHICAGO was a river barge that operated for four decades on the Canadian waterways. Initially constructed in 1872, the barge was built to service the grain transport sector, with a significant capacity of 22,000 bushels. Over its operational life, the CHICAGO underwent multiple modifications to maintain its functionality and value.
- 1874: Rated as 1 out of 3, with an estimated value of $10,500.
- 1878: Maintained a rating of 1, with a depreciated value of $7,500.
- 1884: The barge was rebuilt, receiving a rating of A2½.
- 1891: Underwent additional work, which included a new deck installation.
- 1892: Retained the A2½ rating, though its valuation dropped to $5,000.
- 1897: The barge’s rating declined to B1, with a value of $3,500.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
- 1908: The CHICAGO was abandoned in the Cataraqui River near Kingston, Ontario.
- 1912: Classified as “on hand but of no value” by the Montreal Transportation Co., marking its decline.
- 1915: The barge was formally removed from the shipping register, ending its historical record.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Montreal Transportation Company Records
- Canadian Vessel Registry
KEYWORDS #
River Barge, CHICAGO, Grain Transport, Montreal Transportation Co., Kingston, Cataraqui River, Maritime History, Great Lakes
ANALYSIS #
The CHICAGO serves as an intriguing example of the life cycle of river barges during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Canada. Built during a time of significant industrial and commercial expansion, the barge was essential in the grain trade. However, like many vessels of its era, it faced gradual obsolescence as newer, more efficient ships emerged. The decline in its rating and value over the years reflects the changing economic conditions and technological advancements of the time. Its final abandonment in the Cataraqui River marks the end of an era for a vessel that had once been a vital part of the maritime trade on the St. Lawrence River.
