RALPH T HOLCOMB C116400

Vessel Type Description #

The SS Ralph T. Holcomb, a vessel with the official Canadian registration number C116400, met its end just east of Cardinal, Ontario, where its hull now lies partially submerged in the old canal bank. This ship, originally built for general cargo transport, was later purchased by the Canada Starch Company in the early 1900s, where it was primarily used to haul coal, an essential fuel for the company’s operations.

History and Role of the SS Ralph T. Holcomb #

The SS Ralph T. Holcomb was an important part of the Canada Starch Company’s logistical operations, responsible for transporting large amounts of coal, likely from suppliers along the St. Lawrence River or Great Lakes to the company’s processing facilities. Coal was a vital energy source for industries at the time, fueling steam engines, manufacturing processes, and heating. The ship would have been a crucial part of the company’s supply chain, ensuring that production could continue uninterrupted.

The Canada Starch Company was a significant player in Canada’s industrial sector during the early 20th century, and vessels like the Ralph T. Holcomb were essential for maintaining the company’s supply of raw materials. The ship’s role as a coal hauler would have involved regular trips along the St. Lawrence River, navigating the complex system of canals and locks that connected various parts of Ontario and Quebec.

The Sinking and Wreck of the SS Ralph T. Holcomb #

At some point in the early 20th century, the SS Ralph T. Holcomb was scuttled or sank in the old canal bank just east of Cardinal, Ontario. While specific details about the circumstances of its sinking remain unclear, it’s likely that the ship was no longer economically viable, either due to mechanical failures or the increasing age of the vessel. Scuttling, a common practice for older ships, may have been chosen to dispose of the vessel safely while avoiding the cost of maintaining or scrapping it.

The Cardinal Canal, part of the original system that allowed ships to bypass the dangerous rapids along the St. Lawrence River, was an important part of the river’s maritime infrastructure. However, with the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s, many of these older canals became obsolete. It’s likely that the Ralph T. Holcomb was abandoned in one of these now-disused canal sections.

The Wreck Site #

The wreck of the SS Ralph T. Holcomb is partially submerged and lies in the old canal bank near Cardinal. Over the decades, the hull has likely become encrusted with aquatic life, contributing to its preservation in the relatively cold, fresh waters of the St. Lawrence River. The wreck’s location offers a glimpse into early 20th-century shipbuilding techniques, with the possibility of observing the ship’s construction, including its steel or wooden hull and other structural components.

For divers, the wreck provides an intriguing exploration site. The hull likely remains partially intact, allowing divers to see how coal-hauling vessels were built to withstand the heavy loads and rough waters of the St. Lawrence. The Ralph T. Holcomb represents a part of Canada’s industrial history, a time when ships like it were the backbone of industry, transporting raw materials and goods across the country’s vast waterways.

Historical Significance #

The SS Ralph T. Holcomb is significant not only because of its industrial role with the Canada Starch Company but also because it represents a broader narrative of early 20th-century maritime commerce. Ships like the Ralph T. Holcombwere essential for Canada’s economic growth, providing the critical transport infrastructure needed for industries to thrive in a pre-railway and pre-highway era, when waterways were the primary means of moving goods across great distances.

The wreck also offers a unique connection to the Cardinal Canal, which was once a lifeline for ships navigating the difficult waters of the St. Lawrence River. As the old canals faded from use with the advent of modern shipping lanes and the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway, ships like the Ralph T. Holcomb were left behind, their final resting places serving as relics of a bygone era.

Conclusion #

The wreck of the SS Ralph T. Holcomb, lying in the old canal bank near Cardinal, is a reminder of the ship’s vital role in Canada’s industrial past. Purchased by the Canada Starch Company for hauling coal, the vessel was a key part of the region’s supply chain during the early 1900s. Today, it remains a site of historical interest, offering a unique glimpse into the commercial activities that shaped the St. Lawrence River and the legacy of early 20th-century Canadian maritime industry.

For divers and maritime historians, the wreck provides an opportunity to explore a lesser-known but significant piece of Canada’s maritime history. The remains of the Ralph T. Holcomb tell the story of the ships that helped fuel the country’s growth during an era when coal and industry were inextricably linked.

Final Disposition #

The Ralph T. Holcomb was retired and abandoned near Cardinal, Ontario around 1930. The remains of the vessel are believed to be buried near a mill, where they have remained undisturbed. The vessel’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, having served multiple owners and roles throughout its life on the Great Lakes.

The exact condition of the Ralph T. Holcomb remains is unknown, as they are buried near a mill in Cardinal, Ontario. The site is not widely documented or accessible, and the wreck has not been actively preserved or explored.

Resources & Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Thousand Island Life Website

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