Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Niagara was a steambarge, built in 1875 in St. Catharines, Ontario, primarily for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. With a composite hull, it was equipped with a steam-powered screw propulsion system driven by a low-pressure engine. The vessel was designed to carry substantial cargo, with a carrying capacity of 455 tons, making it a valuable asset in the region’s maritime trade.
History #
The Niagara had a storied career on the Great Lakes, marked by numerous incidents and changes in ownership. Here is a chronological overview of its operational history:
- July 31, 1875: The Niagara was launched and later enrolled in St. Catharines on October 28, 1875.
- 1878: Ownership transferred to Robert Fowles and others, and then to James Matthews of Toronto, Ontario, in June 1878.
- 1881: The vessel ran ashore at Point Sanilac in Lake Huron but was successfully released with the help of the tug Masters.
- 1882: The Niagara operated on the Quebec-Detroit route and underwent a significant overhaul and enlargement in Detroit, increasing its dimensions to 172 x 26 x 12 feet and gross tonnage to 468 tons. The vessel also received three spars during this rebuild.
- 1887: Struck by lightning near Alpena in Lake Huron. The Niagara was also involved in towing the barge Emeraldin the grain trade between Duluth, Minnesota, and Kingston, Ontario.
- 1889: The vessel was involved in a collision with the tug F. A. Crandall in Buffalo.
- 1890: The Niagara made at least one trip to Cuba and was involved in collisions with the tug Schriver in June and the vessel Northern Queen in July, both in Buffalo.
- 1892: Towed the vessels McDonald and Albatross and collided with the steam yacht Ismalia in Buffalo on July 7.
- 1898: Towed the vessels Milwaukee, Active, and Right.
- October 30, 1899: The Niagara participated in towing the wreck of the steamer Sir S.L. Tilley to the Welland Canal.
Final Voyage and Sinking #
- December 5, 1899: The Niagara met its tragic end while en route from Parry Sound, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York. The vessel encountered a fierce gale east of Long Point in Lake Erie. Despite its robust construction, the ship broke up and foundered, resulting in the loss of approximately 12 or 17 lives. The Niagara was carrying a cargo of 3.4 million shingles and/or pig iron at the time of its demise.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: December 5, 1899
- Cause of Loss: Foundered during a gale in Lake Erie
- Crew: Estimated loss of 12-17 lives
- Cargo: 3.4 million shingles and/or pig iron
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Steambarge
- Lake Erie
- Maritime History
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Niagara
- Gale
- 19th Century Vessel
Conclusion #
The Niagara steambarge stands as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Built in 1875, the Niagara served faithfully for over two decades, transporting goods across the region. Its tragic loss on December 5, 1899, amid a fierce gale in Lake Erie, underscores the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of these inland seas. The vessel’s history, marked by various incidents and ownership changes, reflects the challenges of maritime transportation during that era. Today, the Niagara rests on the lakebed, a silent testament to the bravery and endurance of the mariners who once sailed her.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Port Dover Marine Museum
