QUEBEC

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Vessel Name: Quebec (1) Type: River Barge Year Built: 1862 Builder: Henry Roney Location: Garden Island, Ontario Gross Tonnage: 261 tons Registered Tonnage: 234.15 tons Dimensions: 114 feet in length Capacity: 13,000 bushels Stern: Square Masts: None Final Location: Sunk in Portsmouth Harbor, Ontario (Hatter’s Bay)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Quebec (1) was a river barge, a type of flat-bottomed vessel primarily used for transporting goods along rivers and shallow waters. Its construction at Garden Island by Henry Roney in 1862 reflects the importance of such barges in the shipping and trade networks of the 19th-century Great Lakes region. The barge was notable for its significant carrying capacity of 13,000 bushels and its square stern, a common feature for vessels designed for river transport.

HISTORY #

The Quebec (1) had a storied history, beginning with its construction in 1862 by Henry Roney. It was initially owned by Calvin & Breck and leased to the Chaffey Brothers, indicating its early use in regional trade. The barge underwent a significant rebuilding process in 1872-73, which may suggest either extensive repairs or modifications to extend its service life.

By the early 1880s, the Quebec (1) had sunk in the harbor of Portsmouth, Ontario, at Hatter’s Bay. It remained submerged there for an extended period, contributing to the maritime history of the region. When the Montreal Transportation Co. acquired the St. Lawrence and Chicago Forwarding Co. in 1883, the Quebec (1) would have been part of their assets. However, by 1884, the barge was no longer active on the upper river and was not listed among the Montreal Transportation Co.’s fleet by 1887.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The final fate of the Quebec (1) was its sinking in Portsmouth Harbor, where it was likely abandoned after becoming unserviceable. The reasons for its sinking remain unclear, but its absence from fleet lists in the later years suggests it was no longer viable for active service.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relevant to this wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The specific details regarding the discovery or documentation of the Quebec (1) remain undocumented. However, its history has been pieced together from various maritime records and ship registries.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The Quebec (1) remains in the waters of Portsmouth Harbor, now part of the historical maritime landscape of the region. As with many such wrecks, it serves as a silent witness to the maritime activities of the 19th century, offering insights into the trade and transportation networks of the time.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

KEYWORDS #

Quebec (1), River Barge, Garden Island, Henry Roney, Montreal Transportation Co., Portsmouth Harbor, St. Lawrence River, Shipwreck, Maritime History

ANALYSIS #

The Quebec (1) represents a typical but vital component of the Great Lakes’ 19th-century maritime economy. Barges like this one were essential for transporting bulk goods such as grain and coal between ports, making them integral to the economic development of the region. The eventual sinking of the Quebec (1) in Portsmouth Harbor reflects the harsh realities of maritime trade, where vessels were often pushed to their limits and sometimes abandoned when no longer seaworthy. The history of the Quebec (1) also highlights the evolution of shipping companies during this period, as evidenced by its transition to ownership under the Montreal Transportation Co. before being phased out of active service. The barge’s story is a reminder of the many similar vessels that played crucial roles in regional trade, often disappearing quietly into history as they were replaced by more modern or efficient alternatives.