IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The barge in question was a flat-bottomed vessel typically used for transporting heavy materials like marble across waterways. Barges like this were essential for construction projects in the early 20th century, particularly in regions like the St. Lawrence River, where they could navigate the relatively shallow waters while carrying large, heavy cargoes. This specific barge was tasked with delivering marble slabs intended for the construction of Boldt Castle, a grand estate on Heart Island.
HISTORY #
The Boldt Castle Project: Boldt Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Thousand Islands region, was commissioned by George C. Boldt, a wealthy hotel magnate, as a tribute to his wife, Louise. Construction began in 1900, with the intent of creating a massive, luxurious estate. Marble was one of the primary materials planned for various structures within the castle.
The Scuttling Incident: In 1904, the sudden death of Louise Boldt led George Boldt to abruptly halt construction on the castle. This left many construction materials, including large quantities of marble, without a purpose. The barge carrying these marble slabs, which had been intended for delivery to the castle, became redundant. Instead of finding an alternative use for the marble or transporting it back, the decision was made to scuttle the barge in Chippewa Bay in 1905. The reasons for this decision remain unclear, but it may have been due to the logistical challenges or costs associated with handling the heavy slabs.
Coordinates and Location: The barge was scuttled at the coordinates N 44° 27.936′ W 75° 46.928′, within Chippewa Bay. The exact reasoning behind choosing this location for scuttling is not well-documented, but it has since become a point of interest for divers and historians.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The barge was intentionally sunk in Chippewa Bay, leaving the marble slabs submerged at the specified coordinates. The remains of the barge and its cargo are likely still present on the riverbed, contributing to the underwater historical landscape of the St. Lawrence River.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently active regarding this wreck site. The location is a known site among divers, but it does not pose a significant navigational hazard.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The scuttling occurred in 1905, shortly after the halt of the Boldt Castle project. The exact site, marked by the provided GPS coordinates, remains a point of interest in Chippewa Bay.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Boldt Castle Official Site
- Shipwrecks and Sunken Treasures in the St. Lawrence River
CONCLUSION #
The 1905 scuttling of the barge carrying marble slabs for Boldt Castle in Chippewa Bay is a unique and poignant story within the broader narrative of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River. This event, tied directly to the sudden halt of construction on Boldt Castle, left a lasting mark on the region’s underwater history. The barge and its marble cargo, now resting on the riverbed, serve as a submerged testament to the unfulfilled dreams of George Boldt and the grand project that was never completed.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Barge, St. Lawrence River, Chippewa Bay, Boldt Castle, 20th Century Shipping, Scuttled Vessel, Construction Materials
