The ALGONA was a wooden propeller vessel constructed in 1876 in Buffalo, New York, by shipbuilder George H. Notter. Designed for utility and built with wood as the primary hull material, the ALGONA was a modest but sturdy vessel, intended for navigating the waters of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding regions.
Construction and Specifications: The ALGONA was equipped with two decks and a single propeller powered by one boiler, a typical setup for vessels of its kind during the late 19th century. Measuring 76 feet in length, with a beam of 18 feet and a depth of 5.6 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 77.08 tons. This size made the ALGONA well-suited for transporting goods along the waterways, particularly in the busy shipping lanes of the St. Lawrence River.
Ownership and Operation: The ALGONA was originally owned by an individual or entity based in Massena, New York, a town strategically located along the St. Lawrence River. This location provided access to major trade routes, making the ALGONA a valuable asset for transporting goods such as hay and produce, which were common cargoes for vessels of its type.
Tragic Incident and Loss: In May 1880, the ALGONA met a tragic end when it was destroyed by a fire while navigating the St. Lawrence River. The incident occurred approximately 4 miles west of Morrisburg, New York. The vessel was carrying a cargo of hay and produce at the time, both highly flammable materials, which likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The fire resulted in the complete loss of the ALGONA, marking the end of its service just four years after it was built. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but such incidents were not uncommon in the era of wooden ships, where a combination of combustible materials, limited fire suppression technologies, and the inherent dangers of steam-powered propulsion could lead to devastating consequences.
Rebuild and Legacy: Despite the loss of the original ALGONA, the vessel’s story did not end there. In 1880, the same year as the fire, the ALGONA was rebuilt under the same name but was assigned a new official number, US105927. This rebuild suggests that the owners were determined to continue the vessel’s legacy, possibly using parts salvaged from the wreck or constructing a new vessel entirely in the spirit of the original.
The ALGONA’s history reflects the challenges faced by maritime vessels during the late 19th century, a time when the transition from sail to steam power was still relatively new, and the risks associated with wooden ships were ever-present. The vessel’s brief service and subsequent rebuild are testaments to the resilience and determination of its owners and the broader maritime community.
Final Resting Place: The site where the original ALGONA was destroyed by fire, approximately 4 miles west of Morrisburg, NY, remains a part of the rich maritime history of the St. Lawrence River. While the original vessel was lost, the rebuild allowed the ALGONA to continue its service, ensuring that its name lived on in the annals of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shipping.
References and Links:
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records and historical accounts of the ALGONA and similar vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation of the ALGONA’s loss and rebuild.
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: Archives and materials related to Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime history.
- Mills Listing: Specifications and service history of the ALGONA.
