IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The GLENGARRY was a river barge built in 1872. It was designed for transporting large quantities of goods, such as grain, across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The barge was built with a round stern and was constructed without any masts, which was typical for barges of its kind. The construction of the GLENGARRY followed the plans used for similar vessels such as the LANCASTER, LORNE, and ROYAL OAK.
HISTORY #
The GLENGARRY had an operational history spanning nearly four decades, from 1872 to 1910. Initially rated highly, its valuation and rating declined over the years, reflecting the wear and tear it endured. Notable events in its history include:
- 1874: Rated 1 out of a possible 3 and valued at $7,000.
- 1878: Rating dropped to 2, with the value decreasing to $5,500.
- 1884: Received an A2 rating.
- 1890: Repaired, rated A2, and valued at $5,000.
- 1892: Rating adjusted to A21⁄2, with a value of $4,800.
- 1897: Rated B1 and valued at $3,800, with a note stating that repairs were needed.
The GLENGARRY underwent several repairs and rebuilds throughout its service life, notably in 1880, 1886, 1890, and 1894. However, by the early 20th century, the barge had become obsolete. From 1902 to 1910, the Montreal Transportation Co.’s reports indicated that the GLENGARRY was “on hand but of no value.”
FINAL DISPOSITION #
In its final years, the GLENGARRY was partially dismantled, and the remaining hull was abandoned in the Cataraqui River. The vessel’s registry was officially closed in Kingston, Ontario, on February 9, 1915.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database
- Kingston Shipwreck Database
KEYWORDS #
GLENGARRY, River Barge, Lancaster Ontario, Amherst Island Graveyard, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Canadian Heritage
ANALYSIS #
The GLENGARRY is a significant example of the working barges that played a crucial role in the commerce and transportation network of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its long service life, despite multiple repairs and a gradual decline in value, highlights the durability and importance of such vessels in an era before modern shipping. The eventual scuttling and abandonment of the GLENGARRY in the Amherst Island Graveyard, where it now rests alongside other forgotten vessels, marks the end of an era for these hardworking barges and serves as a reminder of the changing technologies and economic conditions that shaped the maritime history of the Great Lakes region.
