The CHICAGO river barge, in operation from 1872 to 1912, had a net tonnage of 350.84 tons and a length of 146.6 feet. It had a capacity of 22,000 bushels and was built in Montreal by J.B. Auger in 1872. The barge featured a single mast and underwent various ratings and valuation changes over the years.
In 1874, the CHICAGO was rated as 1 out of a possible 3 and valued at $10,500. By 1878, it maintained the same rating and was valued at $7,500. In 1884, the barge received a rating of A2½, and in 1892, it was again rated as A2½ and valued at $5,000. However, by 1897, the rating dropped to B1, and its value decreased to $3,500.
The CHICAGO underwent several modifications and repairs during its operational years. It was rebuilt in 1884 and received a new deck in 1891. In 1897, it was recorded as undergoing repairs. However, according to the Montreal Transportation Co. Directors’ Reports and minutes from 1902 to 1912, the barge was deemed “on hand but of no value.”
Around 1908, the CHICAGO was abandoned in the Cataraqui River at Kingston. Eventually, in 1915, it was removed from the register, marking the end of its recorded history
